The History of Rugby: from Webb Ellis to today

Where did Rugby Originate?

Let’s go all the way back to 1823 – a whole 200 years ago – to a town called Rugby in England. William Webb Ellis was a boy who was playing a game of football and decided to pick the ball up and run with it towards the opposition’s goal line. The first set of official rules were created in 1845, and its presence expanded over the world. So, we have him to thank for creating the glorious game we love so much! William Webb Ellis is now the name given to the Rugby World Cup trophy that every single team in the world dreams of winning. And, fun fact, our offices are located in a building named after Webb Ellis in Twickenham!

The rugby ball is shaped as (in technical terms) an ‘elongated ellipsoid’ - catchy right? But this shape has become longer in shape since its original more oval shape in the beginning to help with kicking.

 

Where does Twickenham fit into Rugby History?

A man called Billy Williams paid £5,500 (from the RFU’s funds) for a 10-and-a-quarter acre garden used to grow cabbages. This was transformed into a stadium – as we now know it to be Twickenham Stadium - one year after alongside roads and pavement to allow spectators to come and watch. The stadium held their first rugby match in 1909 between Harlequins and Richmond. Formerly known as the old Cabbage Patch for this reason, today Twickenham Stadium is the largest dedicated rugby union venue in the world, allowing up to 82,000 people to sit and watch matches.

Twickenham is also known to be the home of England Rugby. It all began in 1871 when the sport spread in popularity all over the UK after public school pupils started playing it at university and at their jobs in the capital. The RFU (Rugby Football Union) was then born, and England played their first international fixture against Scotland with a crowd of 4,000 in Edinburgh. The Red and White’s first international at Twickenham was watched by 20,000 where they defeated Wales, helping the side to claim victory for the Five Nations Championship for the first time since 1892.

What was the first international Test match at Twickenham?

England v Wales was the first international Test match at Twickenham, played in front of 22,000 excited fans. To this day, the rivalry between England and Wales remains and is a highlight in the calendar when these two teams come face to face in the Guinness Six Nations.

 

How do the Barbarians fit into Rugby History?

 

The Barbarians (also known as the Baa-Baas) are a group of players who are selected by invitation only to form an elite team. The team was founded by William Percy Carpmael in 1890 in Hartlepool. The main vision for the team was to bring all the great elements of the game together: courage, flair, spirit and passion, demonstrated in one team. Players from different nations are invited to play and wear the black and white shirt. 31 different nationalities have represented the team since its inception and is considered to be a huge honour to be invited to play for the Baa-Baas. The first match was played against Australia in 1948 in Cardiff and the team have been playing countries from around the world ever since.

 

How Long is a Rugby Union Game?

A rugby union match lasts for 80 minutes and is made up of two 40-minute halves, with a half-time break in-between. There are usually little delays or stops in play during this time unless there is an injury or play that needs to be reviewed. The clock carries on after 80 minutes until the ball goes out of play or is kicked off the pitch.

How Long is Half Time In Rugby?

Half-time lasts for 15 minutes. This break in play allows the teams to regroup, have a quick rest and talk tactics. It’s often decided how the team will change their game and how they can ruffle their rivals during this time, and the coaches are allowed to be involved, allowing for greater strategy to be discussed. Half-time is incredibly useful and helps teams to go on to win matches, feeling re-energised and a positive mental outlook to influence the game.

How Long is a Rugby League Game?

Rugby league is slightly different to rugby union, consisting of 13 players each team. Rugby league matches also last 80 minutes, but have a half-time break lasting 5 minutes, but may be reduced or extended.

If you want to find out more about the difference between rugby league and rugby union, then why not read our blog for your full guide here. 


Want to live some of the action for yourself and go to the historic Cabbage Patch, which is now Twickenham Stadium, to watch England on their home turf? Explore our rugby experiences for world-class events including the Guinness Six Nations, the Autumn Nations Series and the TikTok Women’s Six Nations.