The Rugby History Project
@therugbyhistoryproject.com
The home of rugby history. Where every body means everybody.
Personal: @clairesourfitz.bsky.social
Read Here: https://therugbyhistoryproject.com/
Personal: @clairesourfitz.bsky.social
Read Here: https://therugbyhistoryproject.com/
Pinned
Who really got the first red card? And did the Springboks really invent the sin bin?
Edition 21 of TRHP unpacks the weird and complicated world of send offs, sin bins and cards.
📚https://therugbyhistoryproject.com/2026/07/30/send-offs-and-the-sin-bin/
▶️ youtu.be/xGhA4XLZm60?...
Edition 21 of TRHP unpacks the weird and complicated world of send offs, sin bins and cards.
📚https://therugbyhistoryproject.com/2026/07/30/send-offs-and-the-sin-bin/
▶️ youtu.be/xGhA4XLZm60?...
Reposted by The Rugby History Project
Here’s my tribute to the great Billy Boston, in conversation with Jenna Brooks and Jon Wilkin on SkySportsRL’s podcast ‘The Bench’: www.youtube.com/watch?v=sn_C...
Remembering and celebrating the life of Sir Billy Boston | The Bench Podcast
YouTube video by Sky Sports
www.youtube.com
August 28, 2026 at 1:57 PM
Here’s my tribute to the great Billy Boston, in conversation with Jenna Brooks and Jon Wilkin on SkySportsRL’s podcast ‘The Bench’: www.youtube.com/watch?v=sn_C...
Ever wondered why Northerners play league and Southerners play union? And what do butter statues have to do with it all?
Watch the 22nd episode of The Rugby History Project on YouTube now!
youtu.be/3dwtxzPjNOY
Watch the 22nd episode of The Rugby History Project on YouTube now!
youtu.be/3dwtxzPjNOY
Why Northerners Play Rugby League
YouTube video by The Rugby History Project
youtu.be
August 27, 2026 at 4:57 PM
Ever wondered why Northerners play league and Southerners play union? And what do butter statues have to do with it all?
Watch the 22nd episode of The Rugby History Project on YouTube now!
youtu.be/3dwtxzPjNOY
Watch the 22nd episode of The Rugby History Project on YouTube now!
youtu.be/3dwtxzPjNOY
Butter statues, Reverends, and Andy Burnham: The Story Behind Rugby's Worst Break-Up
In 1895, class, geography, and politics split a footballing code in half. Over a century later, the war still wages between the two codes. This is why (some) Northerners play rugby league.
In 1895, class, geography, and politics split a footballing code in half. Over a century later, the war still wages between the two codes. This is why (some) Northerners play rugby league.
Why (Some) Northerners Play Rugby League
In 1895, class, geography, and politics split a footballing code in half. Over a century later, the war still wages between the two codes. But what does Andy Burnham have to do with it all?
therugbyhistoryproject.com
August 27, 2026 at 3:30 PM
Butter statues, Reverends, and Andy Burnham: The Story Behind Rugby's Worst Break-Up
In 1895, class, geography, and politics split a footballing code in half. Over a century later, the war still wages between the two codes. This is why (some) Northerners play rugby league.
In 1895, class, geography, and politics split a footballing code in half. Over a century later, the war still wages between the two codes. This is why (some) Northerners play rugby league.
New TRHP drops tomorrow at 16:30 for the written article and 17:00 for the pod version!
Unfortunately, due to Spotify being incredibly rude, Spotify and other podcast platforms will be audio-only for this edition.
Unfortunately, due to Spotify being incredibly rude, Spotify and other podcast platforms will be audio-only for this edition.
August 26, 2026 at 4:49 PM
New TRHP drops tomorrow at 16:30 for the written article and 17:00 for the pod version!
Unfortunately, due to Spotify being incredibly rude, Spotify and other podcast platforms will be audio-only for this edition.
Unfortunately, due to Spotify being incredibly rude, Spotify and other podcast platforms will be audio-only for this edition.
Sir Billy Boston was one of the greatest wingers the game has ever seen. At just 19 he “Went North” when it became clear he wouldn’t be accepted in Welsh rugby due to the colour of his skin. In Wigan he became a legend.
Rest in Peace Sir Billy.
Rest in Peace Sir Billy.
August 25, 2026 at 10:15 AM
Sir Billy Boston was one of the greatest wingers the game has ever seen. At just 19 he “Went North” when it became clear he wouldn’t be accepted in Welsh rugby due to the colour of his skin. In Wigan he became a legend.
Rest in Peace Sir Billy.
Rest in Peace Sir Billy.
Day 6 recap
- We were completely outplayed by the Aussies but I’m not surprised by it
- We rely so heavily on a high/low pointer line up but the game is evolving past that and mid pointers are being utilised so heavily by other teams
- Our young high pointers need to learn how to control the game
- We were completely outplayed by the Aussies but I’m not surprised by it
- We rely so heavily on a high/low pointer line up but the game is evolving past that and mid pointers are being utilised so heavily by other teams
- Our young high pointers need to learn how to control the game
August 23, 2026 at 10:05 AM
Day 6 recap
- We were completely outplayed by the Aussies but I’m not surprised by it
- We rely so heavily on a high/low pointer line up but the game is evolving past that and mid pointers are being utilised so heavily by other teams
- Our young high pointers need to learn how to control the game
- We were completely outplayed by the Aussies but I’m not surprised by it
- We rely so heavily on a high/low pointer line up but the game is evolving past that and mid pointers are being utilised so heavily by other teams
- Our young high pointers need to learn how to control the game
There's four minutes left of the semi-final but it's safe to say we'll be headed to the bronze medal match. The loss is bad but the commentary is so, so much worse.
August 22, 2026 at 6:46 PM
There's four minutes left of the semi-final but it's safe to say we'll be headed to the bronze medal match. The loss is bad but the commentary is so, so much worse.
Day 5 recap
- we’ve struggled in the third quarter this past week but despite Canadas best efforts we were consistently ahead.
- A healthy win to get us through to the semi-final against Australia
- Japan and USA continued to dominate the other parts of the comp but they now will face each other
- we’ve struggled in the third quarter this past week but despite Canadas best efforts we were consistently ahead.
- A healthy win to get us through to the semi-final against Australia
- Japan and USA continued to dominate the other parts of the comp but they now will face each other
August 22, 2026 at 9:36 AM
Day 5 recap
- we’ve struggled in the third quarter this past week but despite Canadas best efforts we were consistently ahead.
- A healthy win to get us through to the semi-final against Australia
- Japan and USA continued to dominate the other parts of the comp but they now will face each other
- we’ve struggled in the third quarter this past week but despite Canadas best efforts we were consistently ahead.
- A healthy win to get us through to the semi-final against Australia
- Japan and USA continued to dominate the other parts of the comp but they now will face each other
Day 4 recap:
- Good performance against the French, did we hold back before? Learning maybe?
As we finished 2nd in the group we’ll face group a’s 3rd place team Canada at 18:30 TONIGHT in the quarter finals!
www.youtube.com/live/e6lAEEt...
- Good performance against the French, did we hold back before? Learning maybe?
As we finished 2nd in the group we’ll face group a’s 3rd place team Canada at 18:30 TONIGHT in the quarter finals!
www.youtube.com/live/e6lAEEt...
Quarterfinal 3 (Game 35): 3A x 2B - 21 Aug 2026
YouTube video by World Wheelchair Rugby
www.youtube.com
August 21, 2026 at 11:34 AM
Day 4 recap:
- Good performance against the French, did we hold back before? Learning maybe?
As we finished 2nd in the group we’ll face group a’s 3rd place team Canada at 18:30 TONIGHT in the quarter finals!
www.youtube.com/live/e6lAEEt...
- Good performance against the French, did we hold back before? Learning maybe?
As we finished 2nd in the group we’ll face group a’s 3rd place team Canada at 18:30 TONIGHT in the quarter finals!
www.youtube.com/live/e6lAEEt...
Thoughts from Day Three of the Wheelchair Rugby World Champs
- Japan, damn.
- Japan, damn.
August 20, 2026 at 9:12 AM
Thoughts from Day Three of the Wheelchair Rugby World Champs
- Japan, damn.
- Japan, damn.
The Rugby History Project is glad to learn that one of the most important items in our process is not going up in price.
You’ll all be relieved to know that the price of the Bic 4 couleurs is not going up just yet, despite everything. Frenchiest rentrée article ever www.lemonde.fr/article-offe...
Rentrée scolaire : pourquoi les prix des fournitures sont en baisse, mais devraient augmenter après septembre
Le versement de l’allocation de rentrée scolaire aux familles éligibles, mardi 18 août, lance la saison des achats de trousses, cahiers, classeurs et stylos. Les ventes sont pourtant en recul malgré d...
www.lemonde.fr
August 19, 2026 at 11:24 AM
The Rugby History Project is glad to learn that one of the most important items in our process is not going up in price.
Thoughts after days one and two of the Wheelchair Rugby World Champs:
- Two Team GB wins over Denmark, and Colombia got the campaign off to a strong start.
- A really strong team was used against Denmark, with Robbo being on court for almost the entire game.
- Two Team GB wins over Denmark, and Colombia got the campaign off to a strong start.
- A really strong team was used against Denmark, with Robbo being on court for almost the entire game.
August 19, 2026 at 10:09 AM
Thoughts after days one and two of the Wheelchair Rugby World Champs:
- Two Team GB wins over Denmark, and Colombia got the campaign off to a strong start.
- A really strong team was used against Denmark, with Robbo being on court for almost the entire game.
- Two Team GB wins over Denmark, and Colombia got the campaign off to a strong start.
- A really strong team was used against Denmark, with Robbo being on court for almost the entire game.
I managed to find some vintage Wheelchair Rugby photos this week which was very, very cool.
First up: Wheelchair Rugby Founders, Duncan Campbell, Jerry Terwin, Randy Dueck, Paul LeJeune and Chris Sargent, Undated. (Source: Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association)
First up: Wheelchair Rugby Founders, Duncan Campbell, Jerry Terwin, Randy Dueck, Paul LeJeune and Chris Sargent, Undated. (Source: Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association)
August 14, 2026 at 6:29 PM
I managed to find some vintage Wheelchair Rugby photos this week which was very, very cool.
First up: Wheelchair Rugby Founders, Duncan Campbell, Jerry Terwin, Randy Dueck, Paul LeJeune and Chris Sargent, Undated. (Source: Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association)
First up: Wheelchair Rugby Founders, Duncan Campbell, Jerry Terwin, Randy Dueck, Paul LeJeune and Chris Sargent, Undated. (Source: Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association)
Based off the colours of the jersey, do we have a code switch?
Up the Wahs?
Up the Wahs?
August 14, 2026 at 3:58 PM
Based off the colours of the jersey, do we have a code switch?
Up the Wahs?
Up the Wahs?
The algo was not a fan of the name of my newest Historian Tier newsletter about Wheelchair Rugby. Not sure why…
therugbyhistoryproject.com/2026/08/14/m...
therugbyhistoryproject.com/2026/08/14/m...
August 14, 2026 at 2:46 PM
The algo was not a fan of the name of my newest Historian Tier newsletter about Wheelchair Rugby. Not sure why…
therugbyhistoryproject.com/2026/08/14/m...
therugbyhistoryproject.com/2026/08/14/m...
Murderball 101
Wheelchair Rugby has had many names, but at its core, its values have remained. Ahead of the ninth edition of the World Wheelchair Rugby Championships, August's Historian Tier Newsletter is an introduction to the sport.
Wheelchair Rugby has had many names, but at its core, its values have remained. Ahead of the ninth edition of the World Wheelchair Rugby Championships, August's Historian Tier Newsletter is an introduction to the sport.
Murderball 101
Wheelchair Rugby has had many names, but at its core, its values have remained. Ahead of the ninth edition of the World Wheelchair Rugby Championships, August's Historian Tier Newsletter is an introduction to the sport.
therugbyhistoryproject.com
August 14, 2026 at 11:11 AM
Murderball 101
Wheelchair Rugby has had many names, but at its core, its values have remained. Ahead of the ninth edition of the World Wheelchair Rugby Championships, August's Historian Tier Newsletter is an introduction to the sport.
Wheelchair Rugby has had many names, but at its core, its values have remained. Ahead of the ninth edition of the World Wheelchair Rugby Championships, August's Historian Tier Newsletter is an introduction to the sport.
I missed the eclipse as *someone* decided to bark at the sun and had to be taken inside.
August 12, 2026 at 10:12 PM
I missed the eclipse as *someone* decided to bark at the sun and had to be taken inside.
A nice little Monday morning surprise! We’ve hit 100 subscribers over on YT! If you haven’t subscribed yet, get on it!
youtube.com/@therugbyhis...
youtube.com/@therugbyhis...
August 3, 2026 at 9:06 AM
A nice little Monday morning surprise! We’ve hit 100 subscribers over on YT! If you haven’t subscribed yet, get on it!
youtube.com/@therugbyhis...
youtube.com/@therugbyhis...
Excellent post day
August 1, 2026 at 10:50 AM
Excellent post day
If you’ve received the July Wrap Up and noticed it says June, no you didn’t x
July 31, 2026 at 12:54 PM
If you’ve received the July Wrap Up and noticed it says June, no you didn’t x
Did the Springboks really invent the sin bin?
Episode 21 of The Rugby History Project is out now!
youtu.be/xGhA4XLZm60?...
Episode 21 of The Rugby History Project is out now!
youtu.be/xGhA4XLZm60?...
Did the Springboks Invent the Sin Bin?? THRP Episode 21: Send Offs and The Sin Bin
YouTube video by The Rugby History Project
youtu.be
July 30, 2026 at 6:20 PM
Did the Springboks really invent the sin bin?
Episode 21 of The Rugby History Project is out now!
youtu.be/xGhA4XLZm60?...
Episode 21 of The Rugby History Project is out now!
youtu.be/xGhA4XLZm60?...
Who really got the first red card? And did the Springboks really invent the sin bin?
Edition 21 of TRHP unpacks the weird and complicated world of send offs, sin bins and cards.
📚https://therugbyhistoryproject.com/2026/07/30/send-offs-and-the-sin-bin/
▶️ youtu.be/xGhA4XLZm60?...
Edition 21 of TRHP unpacks the weird and complicated world of send offs, sin bins and cards.
📚https://therugbyhistoryproject.com/2026/07/30/send-offs-and-the-sin-bin/
▶️ youtu.be/xGhA4XLZm60?...
July 30, 2026 at 3:35 PM
Who really got the first red card? And did the Springboks really invent the sin bin?
Edition 21 of TRHP unpacks the weird and complicated world of send offs, sin bins and cards.
📚https://therugbyhistoryproject.com/2026/07/30/send-offs-and-the-sin-bin/
▶️ youtu.be/xGhA4XLZm60?...
Edition 21 of TRHP unpacks the weird and complicated world of send offs, sin bins and cards.
📚https://therugbyhistoryproject.com/2026/07/30/send-offs-and-the-sin-bin/
▶️ youtu.be/xGhA4XLZm60?...
Send Offs and the Sin Bin
Rugby Union has a law book so complex it would be impossible to hold every naughty player accountable; however, for those who are caught, the manner in which they are sent to the sin bin has changed substantially.
Rugby Union has a law book so complex it would be impossible to hold every naughty player accountable; however, for those who are caught, the manner in which they are sent to the sin bin has changed substantially.
Send Offs and the Sin Bin
Rugby Union has a law book so complex it would be impossible to hold every naughty player accountable; however, for those who are caught, the manner in which they are sent to the sin bin has changed substantially.
therugbyhistoryproject.com
July 30, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Send Offs and the Sin Bin
Rugby Union has a law book so complex it would be impossible to hold every naughty player accountable; however, for those who are caught, the manner in which they are sent to the sin bin has changed substantially.
Rugby Union has a law book so complex it would be impossible to hold every naughty player accountable; however, for those who are caught, the manner in which they are sent to the sin bin has changed substantially.
I’ve become slightly obsessed with Finnie the CG mascot. I’ve gone on the website and the 50cm version is reduced…
July 30, 2026 at 10:45 AM
I’ve become slightly obsessed with Finnie the CG mascot. I’ve gone on the website and the 50cm version is reduced…
I’ve just discovered Claudia Pena was born in 2004 and is 21 years old. Horrified by this discovery frankly.
Dol Huh
ALT: Dol Huh
static.klipy.com
July 28, 2026 at 9:32 PM
I’ve just discovered Claudia Pena was born in 2004 and is 21 years old. Horrified by this discovery frankly.