THE FIRST RUGBY MATCH

 

On the 5th February 1872, the England and Scotland rugby football teams met and played the first official Home Nations' international rugby match at The Oval. The rugby match was decided on goals scored. A goal was awarded for a successful conversion after a try, for a dropped goal or for a goal scored from the mark. If a game was drawn, any unconverted tries were tallied to give a winner. If there was still no clear winner, the match was declared a draw. By 1875, Ireland formed a team and joined in the tournament.

The Oval was the ground that also hosted the first unofficial international soccer (Association Football) match played, between England v Scotland on March 5th 1870, that ended in a 1-1 draw. The Scots' team consisted of nationals who were living in London. Word also went north following this and the Queen's Park Club grabbed the initiative and formed a national side north of the border.

There was much similar between the two sports.

Earlier, Scotland hosted the English international rugby side at Raeburn Place, The Academy Cricket Ground, in Edinburgh, on March 27th 1871. Scotland won by 2 Tries and 1 Goal kick against 1 Try and 0 Goal. The first ever rugby football international, but not a Home International at this time.

The matches for this season were decided on goals scored. A goal was awarded for a successful conversion after a try, for a dropped goal or for a goal from a mark*. If a game was drawn, any unconverted tries were tallied to give a winner. If there was still no clear winner, the match was declared a draw.

* a mark is when the ball is caught and the heel of a foot marked into the ground at the same time.

On February 5th 1877, England met Ireland at the Oval and won 2G and 2T to 0. On February 19th Scotland beat Ireland at the Ormeau Cricket Ground, Belfast and finally on March 11th Scotland beat England with a dropped goal, at Raeburn Place. On February 19th 1881, the Wales International Rugby team played their first match against England at Blackheath and were beaten by a large score.