Chapter 7 Conclusions

The historical evidence that William Webb Ellis "with a fine disregard for the rules of football as played in his time, first took the ball in his arms and ran with it thus originating the distinctive feature of the Rugby game AD1823" is unsatisfactory, since the story is anonymous and incomplete.

The historical evidence that 3 years after he had left the school, the practice was "distinctly forbidden" is pretty strong, being a firm personal recollection from two individuals with first-hand experience.

The necessary connection between what William Webb Ellis might have done and the development of the carrying game, is not just missing, but apparently cannot exist. He therefore cannot be presented as the father of the modern game.

No doubt the myth will continue, if only because of the William Webb Ellis Cup. The choice of name was in the same PR tradition as the famous plaque, and History is the loser. Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose, as they would say in Menton.

Page updated 15 August 2002 by Peter Shortell