Commemorative plaque 76237

This commemorative plaque records: This stone commemorates the exploit of William Webb Ellis who with a fine disregard for the rules of football as played in his time first took the ball in his arms and ran with it thus originating the distinctive features of the rugby game. A.D. 1823. Recorded plaque organisation: Rugby School.

William Webb Ellis is credited with inventing rugby by picking up the ball during a match and running with it, deviating from the established rules of football at Rugby School in 1823, thus founding a new sport.