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Rugby Football Union
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Date:
1871 - present
Areas Of Involvement:
rugby
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Rugby Football Union

British sports organization
Also known as: RFU, Rugby Union
Written and fact-checked by
Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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Last updated
•History

News •

RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney confirms WRU approach for Anglo-Welsh league • Nov. 6, 2026, 7:46 AM ET (BBC)
England must improve discipline says RFU chief Bill Sweeney • Nov. 4, 2026, 12:00 PM 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.