Refereeing decisions

[JRugby2]

I have a very interesting book on the history of the laws of rugby union up to 1945.

It's interesting mainly to see how many of our current laws come from a bunch of drunk ex-public schoolboys sitting in a pub writing down how they thought an almost completely unrecognizable game should be played before Australia was even a nation

Sorry was this Australia's federation or laws of rugby?

 

[Dan54]

I have a very interesting book on the history of the laws of rugby union up to 1945.

It's interesting mainly to see how many of our current laws come from a bunch of drunk ex-public schoolboys sitting in a pub writing down how they thought an almost completely unrecognizable game should be played before Australia was even a nation

The first laws were actually written by players during the game (at Rugby School), 4-5 senior boys apparently played with pencils and paper in pockets and wrote down laws/rules as they made them up. Up until about 1870s there were no refs even, with either the capatains or a couple of senior players from each side deciding what when an offence was commited.

 

[Strewthcobber]

Up until about 1870s there were no refs even, with either the capatains or a couple of senior players from each side deciding what when an offence was commited.

I love this old stuff

 

[Rob42]

I love this old stuff

So, the confusion between different officials isn't new, by the sound of that .

 

[Strewthcobber]

Before 1896, opposition players had to appeal, just like in cricket if they wanted the referee to make decision

 

[Braveheart81]

Before 1896, opposition players had to appeal, just like in cricket if they wanted the referee to make decision

Little known fact is that in that era teams could field as many scrum-halves as they wanted to bolster their ability to appeal for a decision.

 

[Dan54]

One of first test series between England (and I think) Scotland, one of English players played well 1st test, dropped 2nd test and was referee in 3rd test!

 

[Dan54]

Little known fact is that in that era teams could field as many scrum-halves as they wanted to bolster their ability to appeal for a decision.

First test betwwen England and Scotland was 20 aside too!

 

[Rhino_rugby]

The first laws were actually written by players during the game (at Rugby School), 4-5 senior boys apparently played with pencils and paper in pockets and wrote down laws/rules as they made them up. Up until about 1870s there were no refs even, with either the capatains or a couple of senior players from each side deciding what when an offence was commited.

Great..........very informative

 

[Rhino_rugby]

I love this old stuff

Good things

 

[Dan54]

Great..........very informative

Lol mate, I know boring shit etc. I just got back from trip to UK, where I was absolutely stoked to visit the Rugby School, and the women who ran shop could see either me or MrsDan (not sure who ) was a real rugby nerd, and in 7th heaven, so took us over and gave us a personal visit through their museum. She was showing us some real interesting bits where it is all written down etc. Alsowas interested to learn a bit more about William Webb Ellis, including he a good cricketer, became pretty religeous (already a saint for me) and is buried in France.

 

[Rhino_rugby]

Lol mate, I know boring shit etc. I just got back from trip to UK, where I was absolutely stoked to visit the Rugby School, and the women who ran shop could see either me or MrsDan (not sure who ) was a real rugby nerd, and in 7th heaven, so took us over and gave us a personal visit through their museum. She was showing us some real interesting bits where it is all written down etc. Alsowas interested to learn a bit more about William Webb Ellis, including he a good cricketer, became pretty religeous (already a saint for me) and is buried in France.

what is that