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ADVERTORIAL RUGBY BOROUGH RUGBY– BIRTHPLACE OF THE GAME The year 1823, the place, Rugby School, Warwickshire, England. Two or three hundred pupils form two teams ranged against each other. The game is rough and played mainly by the feet... It was on this day that William Webb Ellis, then a sixteen-year-old pupil of the School “with a fine disregard for the rules….first took the ball in his arms and ran with it”. The instant that Webb Ellis took the ball in his arms was a definitive moment in a style of game that had its origins centuries before. His act was eventually to change the nature of Rugby School’s game from a kicking to a running and handling game which, almost two centuries later has become a major sport played and appreciated by millions all over the world. If you’re into rugby then a visit to Rugby is an experience that will re-kindle lost passion, instil a sense of pride in the heritage and allows heart-felt reminiscences of a time before you were born. Rugby is rightly proud of its connection with the game (name any other sport that has been named after the place of origin!) and this filters through to anyone visiting this Warwickshire market town. The new Visitor Centre, situated in the foyer of the Art Gallery and Museum, is the place for visitors to start their journey. Pick up the latest Rugby Pathway of Fame free booklet – a unique guide that will lead you around the town via a series of specially installed plaques celebrating the game of rugby football and commemorating some of its most notable players and events. Guided tours of Rugby School operate from the School Bookshop on a Monday, Friday and Saturday afternoon. The guides, many of whom are pupils, take visitors on a fascinating discovery tour that includes scenes from Tom Brown’s Schooldays and the home of poet Rupert Brooke until you find yourself standing on the hallowed turf of The Close – the birthplace of rugby football. The “Gilbert” ball, now a scientifically developed projectile, is a far cry from the inflated pig’s bladder which, blown up by mouth and surrounded by four panels of cowhide, was in early use at Rugby School. You can now watch Master Craftsmen hand-stitch leather rugby football balls in the treasure-trove of rugby memorabilia that is The Webb Ellis Rugby Football Museum. Then, just when you think you’ve done it all, you’ll discover there’s much more to Rugby than rugby. But that’s another story. CONTACT DETAILS FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact Rugby Visitor Centre 48 / CLASSIC SPORTS SERIES |