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Rugby Football Union
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Rugby Football Union

British sports organization
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Also known as: RFU, Rugby Union
Written and fact-checked by
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
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1871 - present
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rugby

News •

Steve Borthwick insists England are not in crisis and that he has support of RFU • Nov. 17, 2024, 3:37 AM ET (The Telegraph)
England: Steve Borthwick names 17 players to receive new RFU deals • Oct. 26, 2024, 5:47 AM ET (BBC)
RFU warned schools crisis risks rugby becoming a ‘declining minority sport’ • Oct. 22, 2024, 5:55 AM ET (The Guardian)

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.