Rugby History
In 1823 William Webb Ellis introduced the sport in England. Cambridge University instantly adopted the game, popularized it and made local rules. The game grew popular at area schools and in 1871 ten years after the common rules of soccer were set, the first Rugby Union was founded in London and firm rules were established.
In the United States, the game emerged primarily on the West Coast. The lack of precise rules, ambiguities and complexity of the sport drew a lot of United States players away from the game and major changes were invoked. The rules of rugby died and the game of American football was born.
The sport continues to grow and now it is played in over 80 countries worldwide. The rules of rugby continue to evolve and amateurism remains as dominant characteristic.
The World Cup
In June 1983 Australia proposed a World Cup and put itself as the host. The following year New Zealand put forward its case. In 1984 the International Rugby Board instigated a World Cup feasibility study, with Australia and New Zealand forming a working joint.
On March 1985, the World Cup finally had the go-ahead. Teams from 16 countries competed and the final was won by New Zealand.
Rugby Important Facts
- The Rugby Football Union was formed in January 1871
- The first club in Australia – the Sydney University Rugby Union Club – was not formed until 1864 with others appearing over the next decade.
- The first Rugby World Cup was contested in 1987 between 16 invited nations.
- Pope John Paul II was a rugby player.
Rugby Championships
|