A series of six programmes in which Cliff Morgan and Carwyn James examine the history of Rugby Union Football. 1: Origins
An inscription on a stone at Rugby School reads:
' This commemorates the exploit of William Webb Ellis , who, with a fine disregard of 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. AD 1823.'
In tracing the evolution of the game in the 19th century the programme offers a strong challenge to the authenticity of the Ellis Legend and sees the establishment of Rugby as an International sport.
Film editor JOHN BREWSER Producer DEWIGRIFFITHS