World Rugby Museum, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames

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What is recorded here

The World Rugby Museum opened at Twickenham in 1996 and took its present name in 2007. More than 37,000 objects include the Calcutta Cup, the 2003 Rugby World Cup, an England shirt and cap from 1871, early written laws, match records and material from rugby-playing countries worldwide. Its South Stand galleries, archive, teaching sessions and stadium tours connect the objects to the ground where England's home internationals are played.

What this place is

The World Rugby Museum is a sports museum located in Twickenham Stadium, London, England, dedicated to the history and memorabilia of rugby football.

People and events

The museum was first opened as The Museum of Rugby in 1996 and became the World Rugby Museum in 2007. It features exhibitions on various topics like the 1905 All-Blacks, Women's Rugby World Cup, and Brave Blossoms: The History of Rugby in Japan.

How it was used

The museum houses over 37,000 pieces of rugby memorabilia, including boots, balls, jerseys, programmes, match-tickets, books, and assorted paraphernalia. It offers fluid exhibition spaces, workshops, and seminars for active learning sessions.

What survives

The museum has the most extensive collection of rugby football memorabilia in the world, including star items like the Calcutta Cup, the 2003 Rugby World Cup, an 1871 England Jersey and Cap, and an 1888 Anglo-Australian Tour Jersey and Cap.

Why it mattered

Keeping the Calcutta Cup, the 1845 Rugby School rules, 1871 union minutes, early shirts and modern World Cups together lets changes in the game's laws, clothing, nations and professional status be followed through original objects. Stadium tours then connect that record to Twickenham's continuing match-day use.