Rugby union

All the latest rugby union news, including coverage and highlights from the Six Nations championship, Premiership Rugby and quadrennial Rugby World Cup. Rugby union started in England in the early 19th century, taking its name from the school where its first laws were established in 1845. Professional rugby began to take shape in the subsequent years, with the first international match taking place between England and Scotland in 1871. Payment restrictions to players were lifted in 1995, propelling the sport to the highest professional levels.