In this volume I have endeavoured to give a history of the rise and progress of the Rugby game from the foundation of the Union in 1871.
The inception of the work is due to Mr. H. H. Davies, of Woodford, Essex, who suggested that, as the Rugby Union attained its majority in 1892, the time was appropriate for placing on record a continuous history of the game, as distinct from the detached notices in annuals and other periodicals.
The task of editing has been a labour of love, and has been rendered all the more pleasant by the ready and generous help that has been given on every hand.
Valuable assistance has been rendered by the several contributors, whose names are for the most part attached to the chapters for which they are respectively responsible. The names of these writers will be sufficient guarantee of the accuracy of the details in the several sections of the work.
I would gratefully acknowledge the aid given by many friends, enthusiasts of the game, who have in all cases responded most readily to inquiry, and have promptly obtained the required information for me.
