History of Rugby

Developed from the rules of soccer, modern rugby originted in England in 1823. Historians question the story of William Webb Ellis changing the rules of the game to involve handling the ball, but is the most commonly known origin of the sport. This new found game, rugby, grew popular throughout England schools.Developed from the rules of soccer, modern rugby originted in England in 1823. Historians question the story of William Webb Ellis changing the rules of the game to involve handling the ball, but is the most commonly known origin of the sport. This new found game, rugby, grew popular throughout England schools. The 'gentlemen' of the Rugby Football Union clashed with the working class's Northern Rugby Union, eventually forming two versions of rugby. In 1895, the Northern Rugby Union became known as Rugby League. Today, there are minimal differences between Rugby League and Rugby Union. The differences basically included the number of players on the field, scoring and roughing. The first international match between England and Scotland was played in 1871. Rugby is now played in over 100 countries across the globe. Sydney's love for the game began in 1910 has grown into the world renowned Australian game played today at beginner, amatuer and professional levels. The 'gentlemen' of the Rugby Football Union clashed with the working class's Northern Rugby Union, eventually forming two versions of rugby. In 1895, the Northern Rugby Union became known as Rugby League. Today, there are minimal differences between Rugby League and Rugby Union. The differences basically included the number of players on the field, scoring and roughing. The first international match between England and Scotland was played in 1871. Rugby is now played in over 100 countries across the globe. Sydney's love for the game began in 1910 has grown into the world renowned Australian game played today at beginner, amatuer and professional levels.