centuries ago the greek and roman empires featured many running games that involved balls - many of these activities, which have been documented in pictures and text, seem to resemble the elements of rugby. rugby is a transition from soccer that was invented in the early 1800's - it orginiated in the uk at the rugby school, which is one of the longest running 'independant schools' in the region.

the first set of rules for the game was written in 1845, while the first official match was played in scotland in december of 1857. the rugby football union was the international board for the sport until the formation of world rugby in 1886 - today the organization is the leader in orchestrating events, ensuring international regulations and promoting the development of rugby.