Legend has it that it was way back in 1823 at Rugby School (Warwickshire, England) that it was a young boy named William Webb Ellis who sporned the game we all know and love today.

During a game of soccer, Webb controversially picked up the ball during, preceded to run to his opponents’ goal line, with his team-mates closely in tow and thus the beloved game of rugby was born.

There are other versions of this tale but this one is too good to overlook. Many others agree and as testament to the young boys ingenuity , an official grave stone stands in Rugby School and is encrypted with words of gratitude to him for defining the distinct features of this fast paced and physical game.

So that’s where it all started but with a lifetime that spans over 180 years there have been many changes (good and bad!) This post will look at the rugby evolution and unfold how the game has become what it is today.

The images of the KooGa rugby shoulder pads in ‘Old v Modern Day Rugby Pads‘ post highlights this transformation.

Stay tuned for the next installment ………..