When did rugby union start?

Answer 1

It was originated in 1823 when the pupils were playing the then game football. In this early version of the game we now call soccer as well players could hack the legs from the ball player and at that time the players could pick up the ball - However, it was the rule of the day that the ball carrier ran back toward his team to make a pass. William Web Ellis a student of the school collected the ball and ran forward toward the oppositions goal. This concept caught on and the school played on with this rule. The game spread as pupils left and went to university, the armed forces etc and the concept of carrying the ball continued with passes being make behind the carrier as we have today. Then in 1863 the Football association was Born and they decided hacking and ball carrying were to be outlawed. There were a number of teams that were playing the original style who decide to breakaway and allow the ball carrying. By 1870 a group of clubs and universities came together to formalise the rules and set up the RFU (Rugby Football Union) The name remains today

Answer 2

concept concieved by accedent in 1823 by William Web Ellis and formalised in 1871

Answer 3

Around the 1840's in the rugby school in England.

Answer 4

I think rugby began by someone trying to make a football but blew it up too much. :)

Answer 5

In Rugby Warwickshire England in 1823. However it was not formalised as the Rugby Football Union until 1870

Answer 6

1823 in Rugby England

Answer 7

rugby started in the year 1156

Answer 8

about 141 years today (2012)