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Saltburn, Redcar & Cleveland Philatelic Society
6 NATIONS – RUGBY UNION
Where does Rugby come from? Rugby is said to have originated at Rugby School in Warwickshire, England in 1823, when during a game of football William Webb Ellis decided to pick up the ball and run with it. Although there is little evidence to support this theory, the Rugby World Cup Trophy is now named after William Webb Ellis.
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The history of rugby union follows various football games long before the 19th century, but it was not until the middle of that century that rules were formulated. The rules of the game can be traced to three events: 1845 the first set of written rules, 1863 The Blackheath Club’s decision to leave the Football Association, and in 1871 the formulation of the Rugby Football Union.
Today there are 6,600,000 registered players with representations world wide, the most popular being European and Commonwealth countries.
Great Britain has recognised the game of rugby on postage stamps on more than one occasion. In 1971 a single 9d (pence) stamp, part of a set of 3 anniversary stamps, as this was the 100th anniversary of Rugby Football, designed by F. Wegner. In 1980 another single stamp 13.5d designed by R. Goldsmith and in 1995 a full colour set of five, designed by C. Birmingham celebrating 5 historic famous players.
2015 saw the issue of 8 monochrome stamps designed by Hat-Trick designs and Geoff Hamilton celebrating the Rugby World Cup, both men’s and women’s teams.
We meet on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month 19.00-21.00 at Redcar East Community Centre, Durham Rd, Redcar TS10 3SB. Come and join us FREE! See displays/ lectures.
Need help or advice with your stamp collection? Call MARTIN 01287 622504.
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