Our new bonus series exploring the history of rugby with the incomparable Professor Tony Collins kicks off with a look at the history of rugby in England from its beginnings at Rugby School to the The Great Split with what became Rugby League. In it many questions will be answered, did Webb Ellis really invent a game? Why did Blackheath rugby club think of Frenchman? Who are the Flamingoes? Why didn't the pro sport of Rugby League catch on across England? Why is rugby so much less popular than soccer? And many more. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bloodandmudrugby. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.