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Creation of Rugby
In November of 1823 at Rugby School, an independent school in England, a boy named William Webb Ellis, gripped by a great rush of enthusiasm while playing football, began to run toward the opposing team's goal but holding the ball in his arms, ignoring the basic 'no-hands' rule of football. -
The Official Rugby Rule Book Published
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First British ruby clubs start to form.
In 1863 a collection of boarding schools and clubs decided upon a rule set and 1871 Rugby Football Union was officially formed. That same year, the first ever international match was played between England and Scotland with Scotland taking the win 1-0. -
The British army plays rugby against civilians in Montreal
The British army plays rugby against civilians in Montreal,which later develops into Canadian football by Montrealians. This was an example of how the war helped influence and spread the sport of rugby. -
Rugby Football Union (RFU) is formed.
Rugby Football Union (RFU) is formed at a meeting in a restaurant in Pall Mall (England). This led to the first international game being played between England and Scotland the same year. These 2 events were a big step for Britain as it helped overcome the drudgery and poverty leftover from the war. -
The spread of Rugby.
Rugby rapidly spread from its elitist origins in England, Scotland, and Ireland to middle- and working-class men in the north of England and in Wales and to the British colonies in South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. It also spread to North America, where it was transformed into a new style of football. -
22 clubs
22 official clubs across north England met in Huddersfield and eventually setup the Rugby Football League -
William Willams
Man by the name of William Williams bought 10 1/4 acre garden space near Twickenham for £5,572 to play rugby on. -
First match played there between Harlequins and Richmond.
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First international match played between England and Wales.
First international match played between England and Wales. This shows progression within England towards more Olympic style matches. -
First Rugby Union European Cup starts.
First Rugby Union European Cup starts,however is interrupted by WW2. -
Rugby Union European Cup restarts
Rugby Union European Cup restarts, 7 years after the war. After WW2, civilian life improved meaning working hours shortened and people had more time to spend on leisure activities -
GB wins Rugby League World Cup.
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Rugby League starts to finally receive recognition in Colleges
Rugby League starts to finally receive recognition in colleges and universities because 30ish years after the war, education and Britain income starts to come back on track