Here is a taster of what you can see on your visit to the World Rugby Museum…
Calcutta Cup
The Calcutta Cup is the oldest international football trophy of any of the codes, produced after the disbandment of the Calcutta Football Club in 1877, when it was decided that the 270 silver rupee coins remaining in the club's bank account would be melted down to create a lasting memento. To this day the cup is awarded to the victors of the England v Scotland match during the Six Nations tournament.
1871 England Jersey
Out of the forty jerseys worn during the first ever international rugby match, between England and Scotland, this is the only known example to have survived. It was worn by John Henry Clayton, who was a pupil of Rugby School and founded Liverpool Football Club (rugby union) before being selected for his country. This first international was the only time he represented England.
Rugby Wheelchair
Originally known as 'Murderball', wheelchair rugby was developed in Canada in 1977 as a high contact alternative to wheelchair basketball.
Wheelchairs are custom made for the player, and at top level can be expected to last about 18 months. The wheelchair we have on display belonged to Ross Morrison, who represented Great Britain at 3 Paralympic Games.
2003 Rugby World Cup Trophy
Proposals for a regular rugby world cup tournament first began to circulate in the 1950s.
However, it wasn't until 1987 that the first tournament was held, co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia, with the first Women's tournament in 1991. In 2003 England became the first northern hemisphere nation to win the Rugby World Cup. A smaller replica of the Webb Ellis Cup is presented to each winning side to keep. The original was made in 1906 by Carrington & Co. of London.
1888 Anglo-Australian Tour Jersey
In 1888 a British touring team was sent to New Zealand and Australia to play rugby, an event that subsequently became a key moment in rugby history, setting a precedent for years to come and beginning one of the great traditions of the sport.
Dubbed the Anglo-Australian tour, it is now recognised as the first British and Irish Lions tour. This jersey was worn by A.P. 'Alf' Penketh, the only player from the Isle of Man to have played for the British and Irish Lions.
A trip to the World Rugby Museum can be combined with a Twickenham Stadium Tour.
