Did Che Guevara play rugby?

Yes, and his asthma never kept him off the field for long; a friend kept his inhaler ready at the touchline.

What is the highest rugby match ever played?

A game of sevens on an Everest glacier on 30 April 2019, on the Tibetan side of the mountain. Reports gave 6,331 m, while Guinness lists 6,322 m.

What was Jonny Wilkinson's kicking routine?

A string of small touches and moves before every kick, ending in a low, still crouch with hands together. He took the same steps every time.

What was the first time World Cup matches were cancelled?

In 2019, when a typhoon called off matches including New Zealand v Italy and Namibia v Canada. Each side got two points.

What is the longest kick in rugby union?

Guinness lists 64.2 metres as the test record. At Cardiff Arms Park in the 1986 Five Nations, a Welsh full-back kicked one of seventy yards and about eight inches.

How many people were in the largest rugby scrum?

The record rose from 1,198 to 1,297 in 2016 and then to 1,758 in 2017, the last as part of a city's Winter Festival.

Rugby · Interesting Facts

Chapter 6: Quirky Trivia

10 parts · 10 tests · 100 facts · updated 28 October 2026 · markdown

Rugby has some odd corners. Rugby, Tennessee, in Morgan County on the Cumberland Plateau, was planned as a colony for younger sons of English families who would not inherit land at home, and the author of Tom Brown's School Days backed it. Much of the Victorian village survives. Che Guevara played despite asthma, with a friend keeping his inhaler ready at the touchline, and Idi Amin, Uganda's light heavyweight boxing champion, had played for Nile RFC. On 30 April 2019 a full-contact game of sevens was played on an Everest glacier, on the Tibetan side of the mountain; reports gave 6,331 m, while Guinness lists 6,322 m.

Kickers have their rituals: Wilkinson's low, still crouch with hands together helped him shut out the noise. On screen, Invictus followed South Africa's year as World Cup host, and Freeman was nominated for an Oscar for the role. Nicknames run from Pinetree to Billy Whizz, named after a speedy comic-book character. The weather has called off World Cup matches, for the first time in 2019, and ground staff swept water off the pitch before the flooded 1995 semi-final at Kings Park. Some players tried other stages, from American football to boxing. A kick at Cardiff Arms Park in the 1986 Five Nations went seventy yards and about eight inches, and Guinness records include 279 rugby passes in a row.

The facts below cover these stories, famous people who played, rugby at the movies and the game's Guinness records.

6.61Rugby, Tennessee

An English writer's village in the hills of Tennessee, named after his school.

Test 1Rugby, TennesseeTake a test

The author of Tom Brown's School Days backed the colony.
Source: Tennessee Encyclopedia, 'Rugby'; US National Park Service, National Register nomination for the Rugby Colony; Historic Rugby (historicrugby.org) · recall
Younger sons who would not inherit land at home.
Source: Tennessee Encyclopedia, 'Rugby'; US National Park Service, National Register nomination for the Rugby Colony; Historic Rugby (historicrugby.org) · recall
It is in Morgan County, on the Cumberland Plateau.
Source: Tennessee Encyclopedia, 'Rugby'; US National Park Service, National Register nomination for the Rugby Colony; Historic Rugby (historicrugby.org) · recall
The epidemic hit soon after the population reached about 300.
Source: Tennessee Encyclopedia, 'Rugby'; US National Park Service, National Register nomination for the Rugby Colony; Historic Rugby (historicrugby.org) · recall
They were donated by publishers and colonists between 1880 and 1884.
Source: Tennessee Encyclopedia, 'Rugby'; US National Park Service, National Register nomination for the Rugby Colony; Historic Rugby (historicrugby.org) · recall
Wooden Victorian buildings with Gothic details.
Source: Tennessee Encyclopedia, 'Rugby'; US National Park Service, National Register nomination for the Rugby Colony; Historic Rugby (historicrugby.org) · recall
Much of the Victorian village survives.
Source: Tennessee Encyclopedia, 'Rugby'; US National Park Service, National Register nomination for the Rugby Colony; Historic Rugby (historicrugby.org) · recall
1857, 1880, 1881 and 1972.
Source: Tennessee Encyclopedia, 'Rugby'; US National Park Service, National Register nomination for the Rugby Colony; Historic Rugby (historicrugby.org) · recall
1567, 1871 and 1880.
Source: Tennessee Encyclopedia, 'Rugby'; US National Park Service, National Register nomination for the Rugby Colony; Historic Rugby (historicrugby.org) · recall
Its furnishings have hardly changed since.
Source: Tennessee Encyclopedia, 'Rugby'; US National Park Service, National Register nomination for the Rugby Colony; Historic Rugby (historicrugby.org) · applied

6.62Famous People Who Played Rugby

A revolutionary, two presidents and a dictator who all played the game.

Test 1Famous people who played rugbyTake a test

He later played for Atalaya too, accounts differ on when.
Source: El Gráfico, 'El diario del Che en el rugby'; Mail & Guardian, 'Spirit of Che Guevara follows Argentina' (2007); Snopes on George W. Bush at Yale; UK National Archives on Idi Amin · recall
The magazine ran for about eleven issues.
Source: El Gráfico, 'El diario del Che en el rugby'; Mail & Guardian, 'Spirit of Che Guevara follows Argentina' (2007); Snopes on George W. Bush at Yale; UK National Archives on Idi Amin · recall
A friend kept his inhaler ready at the touchline.
Source: El Gráfico, 'El diario del Che en el rugby'; Mail & Guardian, 'Spirit of Che Guevara follows Argentina' (2007); Snopes on George W. Bush at Yale; UK National Archives on Idi Amin · recall
He was there as a Rhodes Scholar in the late 1960s.
Source: El Gráfico, 'El diario del Che en el rugby'; Mail & Guardian, 'Spirit of Che Guevara follows Argentina' (2007); Snopes on George W. Bush at Yale; UK National Archives on Idi Amin · recall
Rugby was a club sport there.
Source: El Gráfico, 'El diario del Che en el rugby'; Mail & Guardian, 'Spirit of Che Guevara follows Argentina' (2007); Snopes on George W. Bush at Yale; UK National Archives on Idi Amin · recall
He had played for Nile RFC before that.
Source: El Gráfico, 'El diario del Che en el rugby'; Mail & Guardian, 'Spirit of Che Guevara follows Argentina' (2007); Snopes on George W. Bush at Yale; UK National Archives on Idi Amin · recall
He was Uganda's light heavyweight boxing champion.
Source: El Gráfico, 'El diario del Che en el rugby'; Mail & Guardian, 'Spirit of Che Guevara follows Argentina' (2007); Snopes on George W. Bush at Yale; UK National Archives on Idi Amin · recall
1951, 1964-68 and 1968-70.
Source: El Gráfico, 'El diario del Che en el rugby'; Mail & Guardian, 'Spirit of Che Guevara follows Argentina' (2007); Snopes on George W. Bush at Yale; UK National Archives on Idi Amin · recall
Born in the 1920s, 1928, July 1946 and August 1946.
Source: El Gráfico, 'El diario del Che en el rugby'; Mail & Guardian, 'Spirit of Che Guevara follows Argentina' (2007); Snopes on George W. Bush at Yale; UK National Archives on Idi Amin · recall
Che Guevara's asthma never kept him off the field for long.
Source: El Gráfico, 'El diario del Che en el rugby'; Mail & Guardian, 'Spirit of Che Guevara follows Argentina' (2007); Snopes on George W. Bush at Yale; UK National Archives on Idi Amin · applied

6.63The Highest Match

A full-contact game of sevens on an Everest glacier.

Test 1The highest matchTake a test

It was played on 30 April 2019.
Source: Wooden Spoon, 'Everest 2019' (woodenspoon.org.uk); Guinness World Records, highest altitude game of rugby sevens; Euronews, 7 May 2019 · recall
On the Tibetan side of the mountain.
Source: Wooden Spoon, 'Everest 2019' (woodenspoon.org.uk); Guinness World Records, highest altitude game of rugby sevens; Euronews, 7 May 2019 · recall
Reports gave 6,331 m; Guinness lists 6,322 m.
Source: Wooden Spoon, 'Everest 2019' (woodenspoon.org.uk); Guinness World Records, highest altitude game of rugby sevens; Euronews, 7 May 2019 · recall
The usual length of a half in sevens.
Source: Wooden Spoon, 'Everest 2019' (woodenspoon.org.uk); Guinness World Records, highest altitude game of rugby sevens; Euronews, 7 May 2019 · recall
Each side scored one unconverted try.
Source: Wooden Spoon, 'Everest 2019' (woodenspoon.org.uk); Guinness World Records, highest altitude game of rugby sevens; Euronews, 7 May 2019 · recall
Lee Mears, Ollie Phillips and Tamara Taylor played too.
Source: Wooden Spoon, 'Everest 2019' (woodenspoon.org.uk); Guinness World Records, highest altitude game of rugby sevens; Euronews, 7 May 2019 · recall
It supports disabled and disadvantaged children.
Source: Wooden Spoon, 'Everest 2019' (woodenspoon.org.uk); Guinness World Records, highest altitude game of rugby sevens; Euronews, 7 May 2019 · recall
About 5,119 m, about 6,331 m and 8,849 m.
Source: Wooden Spoon, 'Everest 2019' (woodenspoon.org.uk); Guinness World Records, highest altitude game of rugby sevens; Euronews, 7 May 2019 · recall
25-26 April, 30 April, then the official record.
Source: Wooden Spoon, 'Everest 2019' (woodenspoon.org.uk); Guinness World Records, highest altitude game of rugby sevens; Euronews, 7 May 2019 · recall
The set-up met Guinness rules for a record.
Source: Wooden Spoon, 'Everest 2019' (woodenspoon.org.uk); Guinness World Records, highest altitude game of rugby sevens; Euronews, 7 May 2019 · applied

6.64Kicking Rituals

Imaginary women in the stand, clasped hands and six perfect kicks.

Test 1Kicking ritualsTake a test

He aimed to hit her with the ball.
Source: Time, 'Jonny Wilkinson' (2003); ESPN, 'The man behind Wilkinson's kicking'; Rugby World Cup, portrait of Dave Alred (2023) · recall
Aiming at a small target sharpened his focus.
Source: Time, 'Jonny Wilkinson' (2003); ESPN, 'The man behind Wilkinson's kicking'; Rugby World Cup, portrait of Dave Alred (2023) · recall
A low, still crouch with hands together.
Source: Time, 'Jonny Wilkinson' (2003); ESPN, 'The man behind Wilkinson's kicking'; Rugby World Cup, portrait of Dave Alred (2023) · recall
The routine helped him shut out the noise.
Source: Time, 'Jonny Wilkinson' (2003); ESPN, 'The man behind Wilkinson's kicking'; Rugby World Cup, portrait of Dave Alred (2023) · recall
Alred was part of England's 2003 coaching team.
Source: Time, 'Jonny Wilkinson' (2003); ESPN, 'The man behind Wilkinson's kicking'; Rugby World Cup, portrait of Dave Alred (2023) · recall
If one missed, they started the six again.
Source: Time, 'Jonny Wilkinson' (2003); ESPN, 'The man behind Wilkinson's kicking'; Rugby World Cup, portrait of Dave Alred (2023) · recall
A string of small touches and moves before every kick.
Source: Time, 'Jonny Wilkinson' (2003); ESPN, 'The man behind Wilkinson's kicking'; Rugby World Cup, portrait of Dave Alred (2023) · recall
The same steps every time.
Source: Time, 'Jonny Wilkinson' (2003); ESPN, 'The man behind Wilkinson's kicking'; Rugby World Cup, portrait of Dave Alred (2023) · recall
About 1995, 2003 and the 2010s.
Source: Time, 'Jonny Wilkinson' (2003); ESPN, 'The man behind Wilkinson's kicking'; Rugby World Cup, portrait of Dave Alred (2023) · recall
Wilkinson's drop goal beat Australia in Sydney.
Source: Time, 'Jonny Wilkinson' (2003); ESPN, 'The man behind Wilkinson's kicking'; Rugby World Cup, portrait of Dave Alred (2023) · applied

6.65Rugby at the Movies

A president, a captain and a poem: rugby on the big screen.

Test 1Rugby at the moviesTake a test

It followed South Africa's year of hosting the tournament.
Source: Warner Bros., Invictus (2009); John Carlin, Playing the Enemy (2008); W. E. Henley, 'Invictus'; BFI on This Sporting Life (1963) · recall
Freeman was nominated for an Oscar for the role.
Source: Warner Bros., Invictus (2009); John Carlin, Playing the Enemy (2008); W. E. Henley, 'Invictus'; BFI on This Sporting Life (1963) · recall
Damon trained hard to look the part of a flanker.
Source: Warner Bros., Invictus (2009); John Carlin, Playing the Enemy (2008); W. E. Henley, 'Invictus'; BFI on This Sporting Life (1963) · recall
Carlin was a journalist who had covered South Africa.
Source: Warner Bros., Invictus (2009); John Carlin, Playing the Enemy (2008); W. E. Henley, 'Invictus'; BFI on This Sporting Life (1963) · recall
Mandela drew strength from the Victorian poem in prison.
Source: Warner Bros., Invictus (2009); John Carlin, Playing the Enemy (2008); W. E. Henley, 'Invictus'; BFI on This Sporting Life (1963) · recall
It is set in the north of England.
Source: Warner Bros., Invictus (2009); John Carlin, Playing the Enemy (2008); W. E. Henley, 'Invictus'; BFI on This Sporting Life (1963) · recall
The poem ends 'I am the captain of my soul'.
Source: Warner Bros., Invictus (2009); John Carlin, Playing the Enemy (2008); W. E. Henley, 'Invictus'; BFI on This Sporting Life (1963) · recall
1963, 2008 and 2009.
Source: Warner Bros., Invictus (2009); John Carlin, Playing the Enemy (2008); W. E. Henley, 'Invictus'; BFI on This Sporting Life (1963) · recall
1875, 1995, 2008 and 2009.
Source: Warner Bros., Invictus (2009); John Carlin, Playing the Enemy (2008); W. E. Henley, 'Invictus'; BFI on This Sporting Life (1963) · recall
The 1995 tournament.
Source: Warner Bros., Invictus (2009); John Carlin, Playing the Enemy (2008); W. E. Henley, 'Invictus'; BFI on This Sporting Life (1963) · applied

6.66Players' Nicknames

Pinetree, Billy Whizz, the Caveman and the Beast.

Test 1Players' nicknamesTake a test

He played 55 tests from 1957 to 1971.
Source: The unions' and clubs' player profiles (New Zealand Rugby, RFU, FFR, SA Rugby, IRFU) · recall
Named after a speedy comic-book character.
Source: The unions' and clubs' player profiles (New Zealand Rugby, RFU, FFR, SA Rugby, IRFU) · recall
His look made him a cult figure at the 2007 World Cup.
Source: The unions' and clubs' player profiles (New Zealand Rugby, RFU, FFR, SA Rugby, IRFU) · recall
Vickery later captained England.
Source: The unions' and clubs' player profiles (New Zealand Rugby, RFU, FFR, SA Rugby, IRFU) · recall
He played more than 100 tests for South Africa.
Source: The unions' and clubs' player profiles (New Zealand Rugby, RFU, FFR, SA Rugby, IRFU) · recall
A fitting name for a powerful loosehead.
Source: The unions' and clubs' player profiles (New Zealand Rugby, RFU, FFR, SA Rugby, IRFU) · recall
Hayes won more than 100 caps for Ireland.
Source: The unions' and clubs' player profiles (New Zealand Rugby, RFU, FFR, SA Rugby, IRFU) · recall
1957, 1994, 2000 and 2001.
Source: The unions' and clubs' player profiles (New Zealand Rugby, RFU, FFR, SA Rugby, IRFU) · recall
1971, 2007 and 2008.
Source: The unions' and clubs' player profiles (New Zealand Rugby, RFU, FFR, SA Rugby, IRFU) · recall
French fans called him l'Homme des cavernes.
Source: The unions' and clubs' player profiles (New Zealand Rugby, RFU, FFR, SA Rugby, IRFU) · applied

6.67Weather Days

A flooded semi-final, a typhoon and a Grand Slam in the snow.

Test 1Weather daysTake a test

Ground staff swept water off the pitch before kick-off.
Source: Rugby World Cup records: 1995 semi-final in Durban; 2019 matches cancelled by Typhoon Hagibis; Six Nations Rugby, England v Ireland, March 2018 · recall
Volunteers swept the pitch by hand.
Source: Rugby World Cup records: 1995 semi-final in Durban; 2019 matches cancelled by Typhoon Hagibis; Six Nations Rugby, England v Ireland, March 2018 · recall
France were held up close to the line late on.
Source: Rugby World Cup records: 1995 semi-final in Durban; 2019 matches cancelled by Typhoon Hagibis; Six Nations Rugby, England v Ireland, March 2018 · recall
It was the first time World Cup matches were called off.
Source: Rugby World Cup records: 1995 semi-final in Durban; 2019 matches cancelled by Typhoon Hagibis; Six Nations Rugby, England v Ireland, March 2018 · recall
Each side got two points.
Source: Rugby World Cup records: 1995 semi-final in Durban; 2019 matches cancelled by Typhoon Hagibis; Six Nations Rugby, England v Ireland, March 2018 · recall
New Zealand v Italy and Namibia v Canada were also cancelled.
Source: Rugby World Cup records: 1995 semi-final in Durban; 2019 matches cancelled by Typhoon Hagibis; Six Nations Rugby, England v Ireland, March 2018 · recall
The match was played on 17 March.
Source: Rugby World Cup records: 1995 semi-final in Durban; 2019 matches cancelled by Typhoon Hagibis; Six Nations Rugby, England v Ireland, March 2018 · recall
1995, 2018 and 2019.
Source: Rugby World Cup records: 1995 semi-final in Durban; 2019 matches cancelled by Typhoon Hagibis; Six Nations Rugby, England v Ireland, March 2018 · recall
Rain, brooms, a delay, then a 19-15 win.
Source: Rugby World Cup records: 1995 semi-final in Durban; 2019 matches cancelled by Typhoon Hagibis; Six Nations Rugby, England v Ireland, March 2018 · recall
Kings Park, 1995.
Source: Rugby World Cup records: 1995 semi-final in Durban; 2019 matches cancelled by Typhoon Hagibis; Six Nations Rugby, England v Ireland, March 2018 · applied

6.68From Rugby to Other Stages

Rugby players who tried their luck in American football, boxing and ballroom dancing.

Test 1From rugby to other stagesTake a test

He left Gloucester for the NFL's International Player Pathway.
Source: Sky Sports and TNT Sports on Louis Rees-Zammit and the Kansas City Chiefs (2024); NFL International Player Pathway; ABC (US), Dancing with the Stars season 33 · recall
The Super Bowl champions gave him a three-year deal.
Source: Sky Sports and TNT Sports on Louis Rees-Zammit and the Kansas City Chiefs (2024); NFL International Player Pathway; ABC (US), Dancing with the Stars season 33 · recall
He scored a long touchdown in a pre-season game.
Source: Sky Sports and TNT Sports on Louis Rees-Zammit and the Kansas City Chiefs (2024); NFL International Player Pathway; ABC (US), Dancing with the Stars season 33 · recall
It trains athletes from other countries and sports.
Source: Sky Sports and TNT Sports on Louis Rees-Zammit and the Kansas City Chiefs (2024); NFL International Player Pathway; ABC (US), Dancing with the Stars season 33 · recall
She came to fame at the Paris Olympics.
Source: Sky Sports and TNT Sports on Louis Rees-Zammit and the Kansas City Chiefs (2024); NFL International Player Pathway; ABC (US), Dancing with the Stars season 33 · recall
He became New Zealand's heavyweight champion.
Source: Sky Sports and TNT Sports on Louis Rees-Zammit and the Kansas City Chiefs (2024); NFL International Player Pathway; ABC (US), Dancing with the Stars season 33 · recall
He joined their practice squad.
Source: Sky Sports and TNT Sports on Louis Rees-Zammit and the Kansas City Chiefs (2024); NFL International Player Pathway; ABC (US), Dancing with the Stars season 33 · recall
2019, March 2024 and autumn 2024.
Source: Sky Sports and TNT Sports on Louis Rees-Zammit and the Kansas City Chiefs (2024); NFL International Player Pathway; ABC (US), Dancing with the Stars season 33 · recall
January, early spring, March and late summer.
Source: Sky Sports and TNT Sports on Louis Rees-Zammit and the Kansas City Chiefs (2024); NFL International Player Pathway; ABC (US), Dancing with the Stars season 33 · recall
The NFL is in the United States.
Source: Sky Sports and TNT Sports on Louis Rees-Zammit and the Kansas City Chiefs (2024); NFL International Player Pathway; ABC (US), Dancing with the Stars season 33 · applied

6.69The Longest Kick

Seventy yards and eight inches at Cardiff Arms Park.

Test 1The longest kickTake a test

He played full-back for Wales.
Source: Guinness World Records, longest place kick in rugby union (64.22 m); People's Collection Wales; World Rugby, 'Ultimate Rugby Challenge' (2020) · recall
In the 1986 Five Nations.
Source: Guinness World Records, longest place kick in rugby union (64.22 m); People's Collection Wales; World Rugby, 'Ultimate Rugby Challenge' (2020) · recall
The home crowd saw the kick sail over.
Source: Guinness World Records, longest place kick in rugby union (64.22 m); People's Collection Wales; World Rugby, 'Ultimate Rugby Challenge' (2020) · recall
Seventy yards and about eight inches.
Source: Guinness World Records, longest place kick in rugby union (64.22 m); People's Collection Wales; World Rugby, 'Ultimate Rugby Challenge' (2020) · recall
No tee, on a damp day, and from an angle.
Source: Guinness World Records, longest place kick in rugby union (64.22 m); People's Collection Wales; World Rugby, 'Ultimate Rugby Challenge' (2020) · recall
He said he had never seen a kick like it.
Source: Guinness World Records, longest place kick in rugby union (64.22 m); People's Collection Wales; World Rugby, 'Ultimate Rugby Challenge' (2020) · recall
They tried it in the 'Ultimate Rugby Challenge'.
Source: Guinness World Records, longest place kick in rugby union (64.22 m); People's Collection Wales; World Rugby, 'Ultimate Rugby Challenge' (2020) · recall
22 m, 50 m and 64.2 m.
Source: Guinness World Records, longest place kick in rugby union (64.22 m); People's Collection Wales; World Rugby, 'Ultimate Rugby Challenge' (2020) · recall
1986, the 1990s and 2020.
Source: Guinness World Records, longest place kick in rugby union (64.22 m); People's Collection Wales; World Rugby, 'Ultimate Rugby Challenge' (2020) · recall
64.2 metres, a test record.
Source: Guinness World Records, longest place kick in rugby union (64.22 m); People's Collection Wales; World Rugby, 'Ultimate Rugby Challenge' (2020) · applied

6.70Guinness Records

A scrum of nearly 1,800 people and 279 passes in a row.

Test 1Guinness recordsTake a test

It was part of the city's Winter Festival.
Source: Guinness World Records, largest rugby scrum and most consecutive rugby passes; Ruck, 'World record for the largest scrum broken in Cardiff' (2016) · recall
The city is also home to the New Zealand Rugby Museum.
Source: Guinness World Records, largest rugby scrum and most consecutive rugby passes; Ruck, 'World record for the largest scrum broken in Cardiff' (2016) · recall
It beat a record set at Twickenham.
Source: Guinness World Records, largest rugby scrum and most consecutive rugby passes; Ruck, 'World record for the largest scrum broken in Cardiff' (2016) · recall
England's home ground held the record first.
Source: Guinness World Records, largest rugby scrum and most consecutive rugby passes; Ruck, 'World record for the largest scrum broken in Cardiff' (2016) · recall
Each pass was checked by a referee.
Source: Guinness World Records, largest rugby scrum and most consecutive rugby passes; Ruck, 'World record for the largest scrum broken in Cardiff' (2016) · recall
And every pass had to go backwards.
Source: Guinness World Records, largest rugby scrum and most consecutive rugby passes; Ruck, 'World record for the largest scrum broken in Cardiff' (2016) · recall
The Newport Gwent Dragons, with a youth group.
Source: Guinness World Records, largest rugby scrum and most consecutive rugby passes; Ruck, 'World record for the largest scrum broken in Cardiff' (2016) · recall
1,198, then 1,297 in 2016, then 1,758 in 2017.
Source: Guinness World Records, largest rugby scrum and most consecutive rugby passes; Ruck, 'World record for the largest scrum broken in Cardiff' (2016) · recall
279, 1,198 and 1,758.
Source: Guinness World Records, largest rugby scrum and most consecutive rugby passes; Ruck, 'World record for the largest scrum broken in Cardiff' (2016) · recall
The record scrum was part of it.
Source: Guinness World Records, largest rugby scrum and most consecutive rugby passes; Ruck, 'World record for the largest scrum broken in Cardiff' (2016) · applied

Questions people ask

Why is there a town called Rugby in Tennessee?: It was founded as a colony for younger sons of English families who would not inherit land at home. The author of Tom Brown's School Days backed it.
Did Che Guevara play rugby?: Yes, and his asthma never kept him off the field for long; a friend kept his inhaler ready at the touchline.
What is the highest rugby match ever played?: A game of sevens on an Everest glacier on 30 April 2019, on the Tibetan side of the mountain. Reports gave 6,331 m, while Guinness lists 6,322 m.
What was Jonny Wilkinson's kicking routine?: A string of small touches and moves before every kick, ending in a low, still crouch with hands together. He took the same steps every time.
What was the first time World Cup matches were cancelled?: In 2019, when a typhoon called off matches including New Zealand v Italy and Namibia v Canada. Each side got two points.
What is the longest kick in rugby union?: Guinness lists 64.2 metres as the test record. At Cardiff Arms Park in the 1986 Five Nations, a Welsh full-back kicked one of seventy yards and about eight inches.
How many people were in the largest rugby scrum?: The record rose from 1,198 to 1,297 in 2016 and then to 1,758 in 2017, the last as part of a city's Winter Festival.

Sources

Primary/official sources only, no Wikipedia citations: World Rugby and its Hall of Fame and records, the World Rugby Museum at Twickenham, the unions' own histories (RFU, WRU, SRU, IRFU, FFR, NZR, SA Rugby, Rugby Australia), Rugby School, the clubs' and competitions' own histories, the IOC, Guinness World Records and named reputable media.

Tennessee Encyclopedia, 'Rugby'; US National Park Service, National Register nomination for the Rugby Colony; Historic Rugby (historicrugby.org)10
El Gráfico, 'El diario del Che en el rugby'; Mail & Guardian, 'Spirit of Che Guevara follows Argentina' (2007); Snopes on George W. Bush at Yale; UK National Archives on Idi Amin10
Wooden Spoon, 'Everest 2019' (woodenspoon.org.uk); Guinness World Records, highest altitude game of rugby sevens; Euronews, 7 May 201910
Time, 'Jonny Wilkinson' (2003); ESPN, 'The man behind Wilkinson's kicking'; Rugby World Cup, portrait of Dave Alred (2023)10
Warner Bros., Invictus (2009); John Carlin, Playing the Enemy (2008); W. E. Henley, 'Invictus'; BFI on This Sporting Life (1963)10
The unions' and clubs' player profiles (New Zealand Rugby, RFU, FFR, SA Rugby, IRFU)10
Rugby World Cup records: 1995 semi-final in Durban; 2019 matches cancelled by Typhoon Hagibis; Six Nations Rugby, England v Ireland, March 201810
Sky Sports and TNT Sports on Louis Rees-Zammit and the Kansas City Chiefs (2024); NFL International Player Pathway; ABC (US), Dancing with the Stars season 3310
Guinness World Records, longest place kick in rugby union (64.22 m); People's Collection Wales; World Rugby, 'Ultimate Rugby Challenge' (2020)10
Guinness World Records, largest rugby scrum and most consecutive rugby passes; Ruck, 'World record for the largest scrum broken in Cardiff' (2016)10