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: Dec 24, 2024 • 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 •

Rugby-Beaumont appointed RFU interim chair • Dec. 21, 2024, 3:29 AM ET (The Star)

RFU pay row: Tom Ilube steps down as chair with Sir Bill Beaumont coming in as interim chair • Dec. 20, 2024, 3:06 AM ET (BBC)

RFU pay: Bill Sweeney & Tom Ilube could face vote of no confidence as review of executive pay to begin • Dec. 19, 2024, 3:20 AM ET (BBC)

RFU: National League 1 clubs join calls for overhaul of governance • Dec. 18, 2024, 3:20 AM ET (BBC)

Championship clubs call for no confidence vote in RFU leadership • Dec. 11, 2024, 3:42 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.