The Game of Rugby

by Murray Wallace

            Rugby was reportedly invented at Rugby School in England in 1823 when a schoolboy named William Webb Ellis, “who with a fine disregard for the rules of football as played in his time, first took the ball in his arms and ran with it,” thereby originating the distinctive feature of the rugby game. Since its early days at an exclusive private school in England, it has developed from an elitist sport of the middle and upper class to a fully-fledged professional game that is played in over 90 countries around the world. Its development, like so many other sports followed closely, to a large extent, the development and influence of the British Empire, which is perhaps, one reason why it evolved on this side of the Atlantic into American Football. Its true origins have become the subject of some question in recent years, but the traditions of sportsmanship and the history of the game are two of the greatest aspects of this global sport.

            Until as recently as 1995, the sport was strictly amateur and played by individuals who committed a great deal of their time and money for the love of the game. Since the introduction of the “open” game (professional rugby), rugby’s global appeal has expanded rapidly as has the media coverage, assisted by developments in the global media industry. Although rugby has relatively recently turned professional, the roots of the game are still very much based around local rugby clubs spread throughout the countryside, where the young and old continue to play for the love of the game as often as they can.

It was a game of honor and sportsmanship, and arguably for most players still is. Its global appeal has been enhanced by the massive increase in media coverage (thanks largely to satellite television and the internet) and the introduction of international competition between professional teams from around the globe.

            Rugby is a game played by men and women of all ages and abilities throughout the world. In 1987, the first Rugby World Cup was played. The introduction of a Women’s Rugby World Cup verifies the game’s global and universal appeal. The world governing body, the International Rugby Board, now operates an annual U-19 World Championship and a biennial U-21 World Cup. The Bermuda World Classic, played annually in December, has become a Mecca for the over 35 rugby players of the world, and many other tournaments now attract “Old Boys” teams from clubs and countries worldwide. The 2005 World Masters games in Edmonton, Canada, included a rugby competition for the first time. Wheelchair rugby is a major attraction at the Paralympics and was recently brought to the greater public’s attention in the documentary film “Murder Ball”. 

            Rugby is a physical contact sport, and as such, it does present some safety issues although the idea is actually to try and avoid the contact! The basic concept of the game is to advance the ball towards the opponent’s goal line by running kicking or passing the ball. In rugby the ball can only be passed in a lateral or backwards direction, a totally unique feature in the sporting world that provides an intriguing twist to the playing if the game.

It is an excellent physical activity that addresses and improves all aspects of fitness. Rugby encourages and engenders a sporting ethic that is sadly lacking in many other modern sports. It requires and encourages high levels of teamwork and social interaction that enhances the enjoyment of the sport and builds the club like atmosphere unlike any thing else on offer in the US.

Rugby offers an outlet for all as an alternative to the traditional US sports that rarely provide opportunities to play beyond high school and college. It is an exciting, fun and healthy sport that can be played throughout the lifetime by anyone and everyone.