William Webb Ellis
William Webb Ellis | |
|---|---|
The only known contemporary image of Webb Ellis, published in the Illustrated London News, 1854 | |
| Born | 24 November 1806 Salford, Lancashire, England |
| Died | 24 February 1872 (aged 65) Menton, Alpes-Maritimes, France |
| Education | Rugby School |
| Alma mater | Brasenose College, Oxford |
| Occupation | Clergyman |
| Organization | Church of England |
William Webb Ellis (24 November 1806 – 24 February 1872) 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. 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.
The Webb Ellis Cup is presented to the winners of the Rugby World Cup.