From:World Rugby Museum
Name/Title"Proposed Laws of the Game" Rugby Football Union, 1871
About this objectThe original document of the Rugby Football Union’s laws of the game created in 1871. The document was authored by a three man sub-committee composed of Edward Carleton Holmes, Algernon Rutter and Leonard Maton.
In 1871 there were many clubs playing different forms of rugby in England. This caused problems when clubs played against each other and the laws were created to counter this.
Later there were further disputes over whether or not players should be paid; many northern clubs believed they should due to loss wages at work for playing the game on weekends, whilst others disagreed believing money would hurt the idea of the game.
In 1895, the divide became so great that 22 northern clubs left the RFU to form the Northern Union. In 1922 it was renamed the Rugby League. It was not until 1995 that, following a decision by the International Rugby Board that the game should be open, the RFU started to pay their athletes and thus support players throughout all levels of the game.
MakerRugby Football Union, Edward Carleton Holmes, Algernon Rutter, Lenonard Maton
Maker RoleCommissioned, Authors
Date Made1871
Place MadeEngland
Medium and MaterialsPaper
Inscription and Marks"Approved on 22/06/71" in pencil
Measurements205 x 327 mm (Cover) 327 x 205 mm (pages)
Credit LineUnknown
Object TypeArchival Material
Object number2004/139
Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved
