Today there are several stories on how the rugby football had appeared. The most important of these tales is concerned with the Rugby School in England (that why it is called rugby football) - it is believed that the rules of this game were formed there in 1823. For quite a long time in England there was a tradition of different kinds of football games. The official rules of rugby football were published in 1845 in the Rugby School. And that was only the beginning - pretty soon this game became very popular and spread into other countries.

Rugby football became especially popular in the beginning of 20th century, with different competitions were held at that time. At that time this wonderful game achieved most of its developments in Europe (mostly in England) and all over the world. Different clubs and rugby football leagues were formed during those times. Several changes to the rules of the game were also made in the beginning of 20th century.

There are many great names in the history of rugby football but the most well known rugby players are probably Billy Batten and Harold Wagstaft. They both were famous during their career on the field and many other rugby players tried to play in their vivid manner in later times.

Billy Batten is one on the most representative and colorful figures in rugby football. He started his career among rugby players in 1905 - at that time he was only seventeen years old. In 1907-1908 seasons his team won "All Four Cups". His aggressive tactic of playing rugby football was remarkable. With a wonderful sense of his place in the team he achieved wonderful results (he won twenty five caps through his career). In fact Billy Batten was not actually the score-making player but with his fast and strong actions he was creating space for other rugby players of his team. Billy Batten finished his career in 1927 with Wakefield Trinity and Castleford.

And among famous rugby players there was another big figure and may be even more famous than Billy Batten - it was Harold Wagstaft. His story of success in rugby football started in 1906. But unlike Billy Batten he was only fifteen years old when he played his first rugby match. And through his career in rugby football he played only for a Huddersfield club. During these nineteen years on the field he had played almost 500 games.

For their great contribution to rugby football in 1988 Harold Wagstaft and Billy Batten were inducted into "Hall of Fame" of rugby.

Of course there were other famous rugby football players in the history of this game and of course there were many very interesting moments. And you can read about all of them - although there are not so many resources on rugby these days but with a little bit of patience you will find needed information. It is very interesting to read about members of Hall of Fame. Rugby game has formed a sort of culture so there is even a special rugby humor - that is also a great part rugby football history - you will be amazed by your discoveries in that area. But for now big part of this culture is lost and rugby football is not so popular now as it was back in 1920's.