Rugby School UK in Rugby, Warwickshire, England, is famously recognised as the birthplace of rugby football. According to legend, in 1823, a student named William Webb Ellis broke the conventions of a football game by picking up the ball and running with it; an act that laid the foundation for the modern game of rugby.
While historians debate the accuracy of that moment, what’s certain is that Rugby School played a pivotal role in the sport’s early development. In 1845, the school codified the first set of written rules, cementing its place in rugby history. To this day, it remains a site of heritage and pride for rugby enthusiasts around the world.
Last night, we had the great privilege of hosting Rugby School UK at Graeme. It was truly a memorable evening sharing the field, exchanging stories and connecting after the game. Meeting the players and coaches was a pleasure, and it was fantastic to see our boys socialising and learning from one another. The Eastern Cape and the UK are worlds apart in many ways, which makes experiences like this all the more enriching. It’s a reminder of how sport brings people together across cultures and continents.