Rugby - History and Origins

Global Sports Odyssey, we explore the history and origins of rugby, tracing its roots back to Rugby School in England. The legendary story of William Webb Ellis picking up a football and running with it laid the foundation for the sport. By the mid-19th century, rugby spread across the British Empire, becoming a global phenomenon.

A key moment in rugby’s history was the 1895 split between Rugby Union and Rugby League. Disagreements over professionalism led northern clubs in England to form their own league, creating two distinct versions of the game. Rugby Union maintained an amateur tradition until 1995, featuring 15-player teams and structured gameplay. Meanwhile, Rugby League, which started as a professional sport, evolved into a faster-paced game with 13 players per team.

Rugby holds immense cultural significance worldwide, from New Zealand’s All Blacks and their iconic Haka to South Africa’s 1995 Rugby World Cup victory, a symbol of national unity. With its deep traditions and fierce rivalries, rugby remains one of the most celebrated sports globally.