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: Feb 16, 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 •

RFU: Independent review finds governing body's pay scheme 'appropriate' • Feb. 14, 2025, 4:00 AM ET (BBC)

Bill Sweeney: RFU chief never considered resignation • Jan. 24, 2025, 1:55 AM ET (BBC)

RFU chief Sweeney defends bonus and says he won't walk away • Jan. 23, 2025, 8:30 AM ET (Straits Times)

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.