From:World Rugby Museum
Name/TitleProgramme
About this objectThis is the match programme for the first international rugby fixture to be held at Twickenham stadium, in 1910. England won the tie with Wales 11-6. The programme cost a Penny, and the double-sided single sheet design formed the blueprint for Twickenham programmes until 1931. The first game at Twickenham was on October 2nd 1909, when Harlequins beat Richmond 14-10. On 15th January 1910 England and Wales met in the first international match at the stadium, with England winning 11-6.
Prior to the construction of Twickenham, England had played their home games at a variety of grounds around the country. As crowds grew, the RFU wished to gain the financial benefits of hosting the matches itself. In 1907 William ‘Billy’ Williams persuaded the RFU to buy 10¼ acres of land in Whitton for £5,572.
Nearly £30,000 was spent on constructing the stadium, initially a relatively simple affair with a capacity of 30,000, stands on the east and west sides, terracing at the south end and a spectator mound at the north. Concerns that the ground was too far from central London, and was liable to flooding, led some people to deride it as ‘Billy Williams’ Cabbage Patch’.
The first international was largely regarded as a great success. Special trains and trams helped 18,000 people to attend. The game itself got off to a sensational start when Chapman scored inside a minute. A further try from Solomon helped England win 11-6, their first win over Wales since 1898. There were a few gripes, including traffic congestion around Twickenham (!), but ‘Billy Williams’ Cabbage Patch’ had got off to a flying start.
MakerWilliams and Walker
Date Made1910
Place MadeEngland
Measurements218 x 282mm (8 9/16 x 11 1/8")
Object TypeProgramme
Object number2008/500
Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved
