A brief history

Legend has it that in 1823, during a game of school football (soccer) in the town of Rugby, England, a young man named William Webb Ellis picked up the ball and ran towards the oppositions goal line.

Two centuries later, rugby football has evolved into the worlds second most popular sport, with millions of people playing, watching and enjoying the game.

At the heart of rugby is a unique ethos which it has retained over the years. Not only is the game played to the laws, but also within the spirit of the laws.

Through discipline, control and mutual self-respect, a fellowship and sense of fair play are forged, defining rugby as the game it is.

From the school playground to the Rugby World Cup Final, rugby union offers a truly unique and thoroughly rewarding experience for all involved in the game.