Rugby
Interesting Facts
Rugby's interesting facts in 10 chapters as Insporta tests them: 1000 sourced facts, each checked against a primary source.
Chapter 1History & OriginsThe game's early days told through its curiosities: a novel, a grave on the Riviera, the oldest clubs, a 107-match tour, the wars, an American detour, old laws, the unions' birthplaces and the Hall of Fame.10 parts · 10 tests · 100 factsChapter 2Records & StatisticsThe numbers behind the game: record scores, caps, points, tries, winning runs, World Cup records, the youngest and oldest, record crowds, drop goals and the coaches who won it all.10 parts · 10 tests · 100 factsChapter 3TournamentsThe stories behind rugby's other competitions: the Triple Crown, sevens in Hong Kong, Twickenham and the Borders, the Antim Cup, England's cup, the Currie Cup, trophy tales, the Pacific Islanders and the under-20…10 parts · 10 tests · 100 factsChapter 4Clubs & GroundsClubs and the places they play: Harlequins, Leicester's letters, Bath's Rec, Welsh clubs against the All Blacks, French traditions, Ireland's provincial homes, New Zealand's and South Africa's grounds, English…10 parts · 10 tests · 100 factsChapter 5Equipment & TechnologyThe things rugby is played with and the technology around it: Lindon's ball, Gilbert, the Webb Ellis Cup, Canterbury and the jersey, smart mouthguards, the first floodlit match, Wales's cold chambers, pitches and…10 parts · 10 tests · 100 factsChapter 6Quirky TriviaRugby's odder corners: a village in Tennessee, famous people who played, a match on Everest, kicking rituals, rugby at the movies, nicknames, weather days, players who tried other stages, the longest kick and…10 parts · 10 tests · 100 factsChapter 7Geography & CultureRugby around the world and in its cultures: anthems and songs, the haka's story, emblems, rugby in Japan and France, rugby words in English and French, Romania, Madagascar and the moments before kick-off.10 parts · 10 tests · 100 factsChapter 8Players & LegendsTen great careers told through their stories: Colin Meads, Danie Craven, Serge Blanco, the Ella brothers, Michael Jones, Jean-Pierre Rives, Gareth Thomas, Maggie Alphonsi, Agustín Pichot and Gavin Hastings.10 parts · 10 tests · 100 factsChapter 9Fans, Media & MoneyThe game around the game: the first commentary, Bill McLaren, charities, stadium names, museums, title sponsors, fan traditions, famous voices, club owners and the world awards.10 parts · 10 tests · 100 factsChapter 10Cousins & Other FormsRugby's relatives and unusual forms: underwater rugby, wheelchair rugby's champions, international rules, Shrovetide football, calcio storico, the Haxey Hood, the Eton Wall Game, the Army v Navy match, ancient ball…10 parts · 10 tests · 100 facts