From The Vaults

02 April 2020

Who was Frederick Whitehead?

Frederick Whitehead (1853-1938) was born in Leamington Spa into a humble family of bricklayers, but his father had a strong interest in painting and set up an art restoration business from the family home...

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02 April 2020

Who was Frederick Whitehead?

Frederick Whitehead (1853-1938) was born in Leamington Spa into a humble family of bricklayers, but his father had a strong interest in painting and set up an art restoration business from the family home...

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23 March 2020

Remembering Alan Bean

Remembering International Referee Alan Bean (1902 – 1986)

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02 March 2020

Introducing the From The Vaults Podcast

Towards the end of last year, we launched our From The Vaults podcast where World Rugby Museum Curator Phil McGowan brings you interviews from high profile rugby names from across the world, looking into specific sporting and social history as well as a wider look at the game...

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17 February 2020

A Walking Tour of Rugby Town with Karl Quinney

For many of the thousands of visitors that come to explore Rugby from across the world, it is an enlightening experience. And for the most ardent of rugby followers and enthusiasts, it is a pilgrimage of sorts and one of those places to tick off your proverbial bucket list.

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12 November 2019

How to become the Rugby Photographer of the Year

Rugby Photographer of the Year is a competition that will celebrate the very best of rugby photography, both amateur and professional, culminating in a two-month exhibition here at the World Rugby Museum.

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08 July 2019

Happy Blogiversary!

It's been 5 years since we started this blog and over that time we've covered all sorts of topics, from ghostly paintings and the Twickenham streaker, to the "First Lady" of rugby and international rugby's most decorated player. Not forgetting our extraterrestrial jersey! Here's a round up of our top 10 most read posts over the last 5 years...

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24 June 2019

The Shimogamo Shrine: Rugby's First Religious Monument

The Shimogamo Shrine is a designated UNESCO world heritage site that dates from the 6th Century. It is described in the Japanese origin myth as the final resting place of Yatagarasu, the three legged crow, who guided Japan’s first Emperor to his place of residence at Yamato.

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25 February 2019

Edmund Blunden - the War Poet who went to Japan

Edmund Charles Blunden CBE MC is remembered as a well-travelled poet and war hero but fewer people are aware of his impact on the early development of rugby in Japan.

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28 May 2018

Who was the first substitute referee?

The first substitute referee on a grim day for Irish rugby…but who was the referee?

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08 January 2018

It’s a Grizzly Experience When Alex Packs His Boots

Alex Marsh, a 22-year old match official, flew to the other side of the world in June to tell the KYBO! community about the exciting refereeing opportunities that exist if you are willing to pack your boots and travel.

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13 November 2017

Did Webb Ellis pick up the ball? Who Cares! by Dai Richards

'Understanding the Origin and Evolution of Sport' by Dai Richards is out now. Here Dai gives us a taste of what's inside.

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11 September 2017

In A League of their Own

This article is a continuation of Keith Gregson's 'The Plight of the Northern Amateur'.

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