The Classic Guide to Rugby

William Webb Ellis is often credited with the innovation of running with the ball in hand in 1823 at Rugby School when he allegedly caught the ball while playing football and ran towards the opposition goal. However, the evidence for the story is doubtful. In 1845, the first football laws were written by Rugby School pupils; other significant events in the early development of rugby include the Blackheath Club’s decision to leave the Football Associationin 1863 and the split between rugby union and rugby league in 1895. The turn of the century was a time of great change and increased interest in the sport, and as rugby went from strength to strength, Henry Vassall, honorary treasurer to the Rugby Football Union at the time and Arthur Budd, former England international and president of the RFU, laid down the rules and strategies for how to become the perfect rugby player. This is a book that NO budding footballer should be without, from masters of the game.