The First Rugby Matches Between Clubs in England (1863-1872)

The history of rugby traces back to early matches between clubs and communities organized in England, and shortly after, in France. These initial encounters laid the foundation for what we know as rugby today, establishing a rich sporting tradition that would eventually spread globally. Here is a look at some of the first documented rugby matches between clubs in England and France, including key dates and details.

In England, rugby began to take shape as a sport through matches between clubs that established the initial rules and competitive structures. The following games represent the beginnings of English rugby and the influence of pioneering clubs.

1. Blackheath FC vs. Richmond FC
   • Date: December 19, 1863
   • Details: This match between Blackheath and Richmond is one of the earliest documented games in England. Both clubs played a crucial role in creating the original rules of rugby and laid the groundwork for the formation of the Rugby Football Union.
2. Guy’s Hospital FC vs. Blackheath FC
   • Date: October 25, 1864
   • Details: Blackheath, soon to become a cornerstone club in English rugby, faced off against Guy’s Hospital FC, a team composed of medical students. This match helped further popularize rugby in London.
3. Richmond FC vs. Barnes RFC
   • Date: January 14, 1866
   • Details: Another early match between two of England’s oldest clubs, Richmond and Barnes RFC, was part of the development of competition among London-based teams.
4. Harlequins FC vs. Blackheath FC
   • Date: 1867 (exact day unspecified)
   • Details: Harlequins, one of the oldest and most renowned rugby clubs, began their tradition of facing Blackheath in regular matches, a rivalry that soon became characteristic.
5. Oxford University RFC vs. Cambridge University RFC (First Varsity Match)
   • Date: February 10, 1872
   • Details: The match between Oxford and Cambridge universities became the famous “Varsity Match,” which has continued as an annual tradition. This match marked a milestone by bringing together England’s two most prestigious universities in competitive rugby.