What Came First: Rugby or Football?

By Sarah Miller · September 15, 2040

Rugby came before modern association football (soccer). The earliest forms of rugby date back to the early 19th century, specifically to 1823 when William Webb Ellis is famously credited with picking up the ball and running with it during a school football match at Rugby School in England. In contrast, association football was formally codified later in 1863 with the establishment of the Football Association in London. While both sports evolved from traditional medieval 'football' games played across Britain, rugby's distinct rules separating it from soccer were established first. This makes rugby the earlier-defined code of the two.

Origins of Rugby and Football

The roots of both rugby and football trace back to various forms of folk football played in England for centuries. These informal games had few standardized rules and often involved entire villages competing against each other. However, the formal divergence between rugby and football began in the 19th century as schools and universities sought to standardize play.

The Birth of Rugby

Rugby's origin story centers on Rugby School in Warwickshire, England.
In 1823, student William Webb Ellis allegedly picked up the ball during a football match and ran with it—an act not permitted under traditional rules.
This moment, though debated by historians, became symbolic of the sport’s creation.
The Rugby School formalized its own set of rules in 1845, allowing handling and carrying of the ball—key features distinguishing it from association football.

The Formation of Association Football

By the mid-19th century, different public schools in England played football with varying rules—some allowed handling, others did not.
To unify these differences, representatives from several clubs met in London in 1863 to form the Football Association (FA).
The FA established the first standardized rules for association football, explicitly banning handling the ball—a direct contrast to rugby.
This codification marked the official birth of modern soccer as a distinct sport.

Key Rule Differences That Defined the Split

The split between rugby and football wasn’t just chronological—it was defined by fundamental rule changes that shaped each sport’s identity.

Feature	Rugby (1845 Rules)	Association Football (1863 FA Rules)
Handling the Ball	Allowed; players can carry and pass backward	Not allowed (except by goalkeeper)
Number of Players	Varied; later standardized to 15 per side	Standardized to 11 per side
Match Duration	Two 40-minute halves (early format)	Two 45-minute halves
Scoring (Early Forms)	Goals via kicked conversions after tries	Goals directly counted toward score
Tackling	Permitted above waist	Not permitted; considered a foul

Table data source:1, 2

The table highlights how rule distinctions solidified the separation between the two sports. By permitting handling and tackling, rugby embraced physical contact, while football prioritized continuous foot-based play. These foundational choices influenced equipment, strategy, and global appeal.

Global Spread and Evolution

After their formal codifications, both sports spread rapidly through the British Empire and beyond.

Rugby expanded to countries like New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, and France, eventually splitting into Rugby Union and Rugby League in 1895 over professionalism disputes.
Football (soccer) became the world’s most popular sport due to simplicity, minimal equipment needs, and FIFA’s formation in 1904.
While rugby retained strong regional followings, football achieved broader international participation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rugby and Football Origins

Did rugby really come before football?

Yes, rugby predates modern association football. Although both evolved from older folk games, rugby was first codified in 1845 at Rugby School, while association football was formally established in 1863 with the founding of the Football Association in England.

What event led to the creation of rugby?

The legendary event occurred in 1823 at Rugby School, when student William Webb Ellis reportedly picked up the ball during a football match and ran with it. Though unverified, this story symbolizes the beginning of rugby as a distinct game emphasizing carrying the ball.

Why did football and rugby split?

The split occurred because of disagreements over rules, particularly handling the ball and physical contact. Schools like Rugby allowed running with the ball and tackling, while others favored a kicking-only game. The 1863 FA meetings excluded handling rules, leading clubs that supported them to eventually form rugby’s own governing bodies.

Are American football and rugby related?

Yes, American football evolved from both rugby and association football in the late 19th century, primarily adopting rugby’s concepts of tackling, downs, and scoring via touchdowns. Walter Camp, known as the 'father of American football,' adapted rugby rules to create a faster-paced game.

When was the first official football (soccer) match played under FA rules?

The first official match under Football Association rules was played on December 19, 1863, between Barnes and Richmond at Limes Field in London. The game ended in a 0–0 draw and marked the beginning of organized modern soccer.