Rugby Football Union

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Rugby Football Union

British sports organization

Also known as: RFU, Rugby Union

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Jan 21, 2025 • Article History

Quick Facts

Date:: 1871 - present

Areas Of Involvement:: rugby

Related People:: William Wavell Wakefield, Baron Wakefield; Henry Vassall

See all related content

News •

Six Nations: Borthwick aims for victory in every England game • Jan. 16, 2025, 1:13 AM ET (BBC)

RFU bonus scandal: MPs say Government must act to stop rugby ‘dying’ • Jan. 15, 2025, 4:06 AM ET (The Telegraph)

Bill Sweeney: Rebels force RFU vote on under-fire chief executive • Jan. 11, 2025, 3:25 AM ET (BBC)

RFU: Bill Sweeney bonus defended by former senior official • Jan. 10, 2025, 4:33 AM ET (BBC)

Bill Sweeney: RFU rebels issue demand to sack under-fire chief executive • Jan. 10, 2025, 3:25 AM ET (BBC)

Rugby Football Union, governing body of rugby union football (amateur rugby) in England, formed in 1871 to draw up rules for the game first played at Rugby School in 1823. Similar unions were organized during the next few years in Ireland, Wales, Scotland, New Zealand, Australia, France, Canada, South Africa, and the U.S. Among the Union’s chief activities are conferences, organizing international matches, and educating and training players and officials. Publications include handbooks and guides for coaches. Headquarters are at Twickenham, Middlesex.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.