William Webb Ellis
Anglican clergyman and allegedly the inventor of Rugby football (1806-1872) · United Kingdom · On the map · Scientists · Died at 65
William Webb Ellis was an English Anglican clergyman who, by tradition, has been credited as the inventor of rugby football while a pupil at Rugby School. According to legend, Webb Ellis picked up the ball and ran with it during a school football match in 1823, thus creating the "rugby" style of play.
William Webb Ellis is read about 165 times a day, in 26 languages.
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Photos 5
Webb Ellis grave in le cimetière du vieux château at Menton in Alpes Maritimes
Webb-Ellis carries the ball during a school football match played in 1823. According to legend, this action created the rugby style of play
Image of the plaque at Rugby School
Statue of William Webb Ellis outside Rugby SchoolAbout this person
Although the story has become firmly entrenched in the sport's folklore, it is not supported by first-hand evidence, and is discounted by most rugby historians as an origin myth.
