In 1823 a young student of Rugby School, Warwickshire England was playing football (Soccer) In those days you were allowed to hack (kick the legs from under a player with the ball) and actually handle the ball. The ball would have to be carried backwards to the team mates and past that way. However, William Webb Ellis decided that he would NOT retreat with the ball but carry it forwards toward the opposing goal line. The Rugby World Cup is named after William Webb Ellis who is is claimed started the game off by running forward with the ball in hand.
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