Where and when did rugby begin?
Many historians believe that rugby derived from the many ball-in-hand games of ancient cultures. But popular legend has it that rugby was “invented” in 1823 during an intramural soccer match at a private boarding school in Rugby, England. Student William Webb Ellis became so frustrated by his inability to kick the ball that he picked it up and ran towards the goal. His fellow players liked the new rules and Rugby football was born. Rugby football is now played internationally and is far more popular than American football overseas.
