Rugby’s Golden Ages: Peaks in Popularity

Rugby, a sport steeped in tradition and brimming with passion, has experienced several golden ages since its inception. These peaks in popularity, wherein the game not only expanded its reach but also embedded itself into the very fabric of society, provide a fascinating insight into why rugby continues to be a beloved sport globally. Let us journey through some of these illustrious periods which shaped the world of rugby as we know it today.

The Birth of Rugby: Early Foundations and Rapid Growth

The origins of rugby can be traced back to 1823 in the town of Rugby, Warwickshire, where legend has it that William Webb Ellis, with a fine disregard for the rules of football, first picked up the ball and ran with it. Though the veracity of this story is debated, it captures the spirit of innovation that led to the creation of the game.

In the decades following this fabled moment, rugby grew rapidly in popularity within the prestigious public schools of England. By 1871, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) had been founded, and the first international match was played between England and Scotland. This period laid the essential groundwork for rugby to flourish on a much larger scale.

The Edwardian and Pre-War Expansion (1900-1914)

At the turn of the 20th century, rugby had become more than just a school pastime; it had evolved into a national sport with a network of solid and respected clubs, who built a structure of annually recurring fixtures against their near-neighbours, and attracted a growing army of followers. The early 1900s marked the significant expansion or rugby across the British Isles and other parts of the world, such as New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia, where the sport began to ingrain itself into the local culture.

During this era, rugby matches drew considerable crowds, and the sport became a staple in many communities. Touring teams, particularly from the Southern Hemisphere, brought a new dynamism to the sport, and the legendary 1905 New Zealand "Originals" tour of the UK set a benchmark for international rugby.

The First World War brought the spread of the sport to a juddering halt. It also tragically wiped out many of the players and supporters who went into the dreadful battles of the Wester Front. After the 1918 Armistice, the UK and the world returned to some kind of normality, though would never cease mourning the millions of tragic deaths. Rugby came slowly back to life, and its global expansion resumed, until in 1939, it was cut short again by the advent of the Second World War.

Post-War Rugby Renaissance (1945-1970s)

The end of the Second World War brought about a renewed vigour for rugby. War-torn societies found solace and camaraderie in the sport, with matches drawing unprecedented crowds. The Five Nations Championship (now Six Nations) became a hallmark of European rugby, with rivalries such as England vs. Wales and Scotland vs. Ireland captivating the public imagination.

On January 1, 1966 the BBC broadcast the first edition of Rugby Special, eventually featuring respected presenters like Cliff Morgan, Bill McLaren and Nigel Starmer-Smith, who spread the rugby gospel to new and wider audiences, accelerating the popularity of the game. Noteworthy players of this I970s era, became household names: Gareth Edwards, JPR Williams, Willie John McBride, Fergus Slattery,  Fran Cotton, Andy Ripley, Ian McGeechan, Ian McLauchlan, Jean-Pierre Rives, Jacques Fouroux, and of course, down South, Colin "Pinetree" Meads.

The Professional Era (1995-Present)

Arguably the most significant transformation in rugby’s history came with the advent of professionalism in 1995. The sport transitioned from an amateur past-time to a professional occupation, driving an era of unparalleled growth. The Rugby World Cup, first held in 1987, emerged as a key driver of this growth, becoming one of the most watched sporting events globally.

The professional era has seen the establishment of full-time leagues, heightened international competitions, and a marked improvement in the athleticism and skill levels of players. The sport has enjoyed commercial success, with sponsorship deals, merchandising, and expansive media coverage bringing rugby to a global audience.

With nations like Japan, Argentina, and even burgeoning teams in the United States embracing rugby, the sport has never been more international. The 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, the first time in Asia, epitomised this expansion, garnering record viewership and demonstrating rugby’s growing global footprint.

Wrap-Up

Rugby’s golden ages are a testament to its enduring appeal and capacity to bring people together across different backgrounds and borders. From its humble origins in a school-yard to becoming a global spectacle, rugby's peaks in popularity highlight key moments when the sport captured hearts and minds, fostering a deep-rooted passion that continues to thrive.

As we look towards the future, these golden ages serve as a beacon, guiding the sport through an ever-evolving landscape while reminding us of the rich heritage and history that lies at the heart of rugby. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or a newcomer to the game, rugby’s timeless allure remains as potent today as it has ever been.