On Saturday, hundreds of spectators watched as Rugby School students in full costume recreated the moment Webb Ellis ran with the ball, marking the invention of rugby football in 1823. Taking place on The Close, the same pitch as the very first game of rugby, the re-enactment formed part of a day of celebration marking 200 years of rugby football.  

The role of William Webb Ellis was played by 15-year-old rugby sports scholar and Town House boy, Lochie Glackin from Coventry.  Spectators from around the world, including former England international Jonny Wilkinson, watched pitch side and through the YouTube livestream as Lochie charged towards the try line, showcasing the moment a sport was born. 

It was followed by a spectacular re-creation by Rugby School students of key moments in the history of rugby football:  from the introduction of caps, the first rules and referees, the first woman to officially play rugby, the first Rugby Union World Cups for both men and women, right up to the present day.   

Following in the footsteps of Webb Ellis, the Wooden Spoon Vets and Legends teams took to the pitch for two games against Rugby School staff, firstly the women’s - which featured former internationals Gill Burns and Tamara Taylor, and then the men which was kicked off by legendary rugby commentator David Flatman.  In both cases, and perhaps fittingly, the Rugby School staff triumphed.

Throughout the day, Executive Headmaster Peter Green presented former XV team members with special bicentennial caps. We were joined by alumni players from 1949 to 2022 to receive these caps, including former Scottish International Rugbeians JLF Allan and A Grove.  Several current and former Rugbeians were privileged to be able to share their stories with Jonny Wilkinson, who met with many as he made his way around The Close.  Whilst the younger generation were keen to hear his advice, many of those who had witnessed his World Cup winning drop goal of 2003 wanted to thank him for all he had given to the game in his years as an England player.  Jonny Wilkinson gave his time and conversation generously and emphasised to many that had it not been for their role in shaping the game throughout history, he would not have been able to play the game he did.  Undoubtedly, speaking to Jonny will have been a highlight of the day for many in the Rugbeian Community.  

The day wasn’t just about celebrating the history of the game – it showcased everything the game has become for the wider community – a global phenomenon with teams bridging cultural and social divides, geographies and abilities. Partnering with Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of rugby, fundraising was a key focus for the day, with all monies raised split between Wooden Spoon and Rugby School’s 1823 Bursary Fund.  

Lochie commented: “I was really excited to play William Webb Ellis in the re-enactment – it was a great way to share the history of the game with everyone watching both on The Close and on YouTube.  I usually play inside or outside centre, and playing William Webb Ellis was only the second time I have played on The Close.   I’m looking forward to more celebrations of the bicentennial of the game next term.” 

Peter Green, Executive Headmaster of the Rugby School Group commented: “This has been a spectacular celebration of the game of rugby.  It’s unusual to be able to pinpoint the moment a sport was born, but with rugby we can, and today, at the birthplace of the game, Rugby School, we have celebrated that moment.  The day’s events are a highlight in our year of celebrations and I was delighted to see so many people joining us, not just for a great afternoon of sport and charity fundraising, but to mark the 200 years of the game that began here.  I’d like to thank everyone who joined us, the students who took part, our Rugby 200 patrons, and all the staff who make these events happen.”  

Further events to mark the bicentennial of the game will be taking place next term, including the Rugby Legends match on November 18th – for more information please visit https://www.rugbyschool.co.uk/200-anniversary/events/