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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
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.
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Last Updated: • Article History
Quick Facts
Date:
1871 - present
Areas Of Involvement:
rugby
Bill Sweeney: RFU chief executive survives no-confidence vote at special general meeting • Mar. 28, 2025, 2:53 AM ET (BBC)
Rugby Football Union: Beaumont warns against rebel vote • Mar. 27, 2025, 5:08 AM ET (BBC)
No green light: RFU threatens to leave Twickenham over Beyoncé spat • Mar. 20, 2025, 5:14 AM ET (The Guardian)
Bill Sweeney: RFU rebels warn of summer of discontent for leadership • Mar. 14, 2025, 3:18 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.
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