| Rugby
is arguably the second biggest team sport
in the world. Since its formation in 1823
rugby is enjoyed all over the world because
of its rough and tough appeal, which demands
extra toughness and stamina from its players,
compared to other sports.
Did you know rugby was played in
Calcutta, India in 1872!
The Calcutta Rugby Club was set up by traveling
sportsmen, often cricketers, public school
connections and the military in 1872 but
did not really gain a foothold; rugby is
far too physical to play in the stifling
heat of India and, besides, there was competition
from other sport like polo and cricket;
far more leisurely and civilised.
The members of the Calcutta Rugby Club
realised this and the Club was wound up
after only five years, but on finalising
the books, the coffers were found to be
quite healthy; the Calcutta Rugby Club was
sitting on the princely sum of around £60
- all in silver rupees!
The decision was made to have a trophy
of some sort produced from these silver
rupees and to offer the trophy to the RFU
with the condition that it should be played
for in a rugby match. The RFU agreed and
the first Calcutta Cup match was played
between England and Scotland in 1879 hence
the first International fixture was formed.
The match ended in a draw. The England Scotland
fixture has been played annually for the
Calcutta Cup.
Over last decade rugby is fast gaining
popularity in South Asia and is played at
the national and international level in
Sri-lanka, India, Pakistan and other Asian
countries.
This section contains information about
some of Rugby Unions in South Asia and also
clubs which have been formed over the years.
Source:http://www.sportnetwork.net/main/s103/st76265.htm
|
