Monthly Archives: October 2017

William Webb Ellis and the Origins of Rugby – a new perspective

Posted on October 30, 2017 by

On the 29th August 1895 at the George Hotel in Huddersfield, 22 rugby clubs met to discuss the cessation of their membership of the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and shortly thereafter proclaimed a new Northern Union.  Initially the game that … Continue reading →

Posted in Clubs, Schools | 8 Comments

When the Back Row was King

Posted on October 23, 2017 by

Discussion as to what comprises the best combination of players in the back row of a test pack has gone on for years.  In recent times the All Blacks double World Cup winning unit of Richie McCaw, Kieran Read and … Continue reading →

Posted in International Players | Leave a comment

Spotlight on John Warburton Sagar

Posted on October 16, 2017 by

Born on the 6th December 1878 at Deaf Hill, Trimdon, Durham, John Warburton Sagar was the eldest son of the Reverend Oates Sagar and Hannah Warburton.  He was educated at Durham School and Jesus College, Cambridge. Whilst at Cambridge, he … Continue reading →

Posted in Clubs, England, International Players | Leave a comment

I remember when…

Posted on October 9, 2017 by

Twickenham Stadium Tour Guide John Howard recalls his first trip to Twickenham back in 1964… For me, it was the Five Nations in 1964 and England’s match against Wales.  We lived not far from Twickenham in Kew.  My dad used … Continue reading →

Posted in Twickenham | 2 Comments

Lest We Forget – Dave Gallaher and Albert Stewart, 04/10/1917

Posted on October 4, 2017 by

At the beginning of October 1917, the Allied Forces were deeply embroiled in attacking the German Army on the Western Front for control of the ridges south and east of the Belgian city of Ypres.  This third offensive in the Ypres Salient in West … Continue reading →

Posted in International Players, Ireland, Lest We Forget, New Zealand | 1 Comment