A look at the true origins of rugby, from the sport's medieval roots through to its manifestation as a product of the Industrial Revolution and the 19th century British class system.
Rugby has had an enormously turbulent history. We explore the 1870s fracture between "soccer" and "rugger", the South African boycotts, and the battle between Rupert Murdoch and Kerry Packer.
Rugby exploded in popularity after Rupert Murdoch invested half a billion dollars and turned it professional. And the first truly global superstar was our very own Jonah Lomu!
After World War II, a zeal for 'rugby values' inspired a generation of converts to develop the game across the globe. And rugby welcomed a new breed of supporter, on and off the field - women.
By 2026, rugby will be played in 150 countries on a scale unrecognisable from today. The grass-roots sport is going boldly where it's never been, or even dreamed of going, before.
We explore how rugby existed both as social play time for Britain's high-society, and as an opportunity for the working class in the Southern Hemisphere to showcase their strength and talent.