Rugby for the sub continentals

Rugby is really a town in Warwickshire – quite close to the unofficial capital of the sub-continent in the UK. This town received William Webb-Ellis, his brother and mum around 1816. They were doing that school catchment area move back then so the boys could go to the Rugby school for free.

Not much is known about the youthful character of William. Other than he was prone to taking unfair advantage at cricket and often football. During a football game in 1823, he is believed to have caught the ball in a goal save which was allowed. And instead of running backwards according to the rules, he ran forwards and made a goal at the opposite goal post. Which was also allowed. This little rebellion led to the foundation of the great game.

William Webb-Ellis after this promising initial notoriety, became an Anglican clergyman. He led a quiet life, managed to publish a sermon in a newspaper once, retired and died in the south of France, the French Rugby federation now carefully tend to his grave as he never married or had any children.

The four yearly Rugby World Cup Trophy is named after him and called the Web Ellis cup.

And yes that is a pineapple on top of the cup. Status symbol of the elite.