Rugby is a sport with a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the early 19th century in England. This game has evolved over time and has become a worldwide phenomenon, enjoyed by millions of fans and players alike. In this article, we will take a look at the history of rugby and how the game has progressed over the years, leading up to the first ever Rugby World Cup fixture.
The origins of rugby can be traced back to the town of Rugby in England, where a young boy named William Webb Ellis is said to have picked up the ball during a game of football and ran with it towards the opposition’s goal line. This act, which took place in 1823, is considered by many to be the birth of rugby as we know it today.
The game of rugby quickly gained popularity in schools and universities across England, with the first official set of rules being established in 1845 by the Rugby Football Union. From there, the game began to spread to other parts of the world, including Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
As rugby continued to spread throughout the world, it underwent various changes and modifications, leading to the creation of different versions of the game. The most popular versions of rugby today include rugby union, rugby league, and sevens rugby.
Rugby union, the most traditional form of the game, is played with 15 players on each team and is governed by the World Rugby organization. Rugby league, on the other hand, is played with 13 players on each team and has slightly different rules and regulations. Sevens rugby, which is played with seven players on each team, has gained immense popularity in recent years and is played in international tournaments such as the Olympic Games.
The first ever Rugby World Cup was held in 1987 and was hosted by Australia and New Zealand. Sixteen teams participated in the tournament, with New Zealand emerging as the winners after defeating France in the final.
Since then, the Rugby World Cup has become one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world, held every four years and featuring the top rugby teams from around the globe. The most recent Rugby World Cup was held in Japan in 2019, with South Africa emerging as the champions.
Rugby has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the town of Rugby in England. From the establishment of the Rugby Football Union to the first ever Rugby World Cup fixture, this game has undergone various changes and modifications, ultimately leading to its current status as a popular and widely-played sport around the world. With its rich history and exciting gameplay, it’s no wonder that rugby continues to captivate and inspire people of all ages and backgrounds.
Source taken from : Exiles Rugby / THE COLLECTOR Featured Image from : world.rugby
