William Webb Ellis | |
---|---|
![]() The only known contemporary image of Webb Ellis, published in the Illustrated London News, 1854 | |
Born | Salford, Lancashire, England | 24 November 1806
Died | 24 February 1872 Menton, Alpes-Maritimes, France | (aged 65)
Education | Rugby School[1] |
Alma mater | Brasenose College, Oxford |
Occupation | Clergyman |
Organization | Church of England |
William Webb Ellis (24 November 1806 – 24 February 1872) was an English Anglican clergyman who, by tradition, has been credited as the inventor of rugby football while a pupil at Rugby School. According to legend, Webb Ellis picked up the ball and ran with it during a school football match in 1823, thus creating the "rugby" style of play. Although the story has become firmly entrenched in the sport's folklore, it is not supported by first hand evidence, and is discounted by most rugby historians as an origin myth.
The Webb Ellis Cup is presented to the winners of the Rugby World Cup.[2][3]
© MMXXIII Rich X Search. We shall prevail. All rights reserved. Rich X Search