Tag: Men’s Rugby
-
Why (Some) Northerners Play Rugby League
In 1895, class, geography, and politics split a footballing code in half. Over a century later, the war still wages between the two codes. But what does Andy Burnham have to do with it all?
Written by
·
-
Send Offs and the Sin Bin
Rugby Union has a law book so complex it would be impossible to hold every naughty player accountable; however, for those who are caught, the manner in which they are sent to the sin bin has changed substantially.
Written by
·
-
Rugby’s First Nause
Before the likes of the Squidge Brothers, Huw Griffin, or even the aptly titled Rugby Nause, there was Arthur Conan Doyle.
Written by
·
-
‘In His Own Little Spiritual World’: The Lives of Carwyn James
Carwyn James’ life was one of many segments. Remembered primarily for his achievements with the British and Irish Lions, his personal life and navy career are discussed at length too. A life cut short at just fifty-three, today we look back at his complex, and often secretive, life.
Written by
·
-
‘There has always been something special about a print newspaper.’
One aspect of my research process is to check newspaper archives. In the process, I’ve found some gems that haven’t made it into articles for various reasons. In this month’s Historian Tier post, I’m sharing some of my favourites.
Written by
·
-
The ‘Monkey’ Who Almost Had Wales Kicked Out of the Home Nations
Just a few years after the first official Home Nations tournament, the then very small rugby world would be torn apart by one man and his house.
Written by
·
-
The Even Weirder World of the Men’s Six Nations
Last week I posted A Brief History of the Weird World of the Men’s Six Nations, however, there were lots of extra weird bits that didn’t make it into the final draft. Here’s the even weirder world of the Men’s Six Nations for February’s Historian Tier Newsletter!
Written by
·
-
A Brief History of the Weird World of the Men’s Six Nations
The world’s oldest international rugby tournament is full of quirks. With the 2026 edition underway, this article looks at the weird world of the Men’s Six Nations.
Written by
·
-
When Wales Lost a Region: The Tale of the Celtic Warriors
After months of speculation, on the 24th October 2025, the Welsh Rugby Union announced that they would be cutting the number of men’s professional teams from four to three. Let’s look back at the last time the Welsh Rugby Union cut a region.
Written by
·
-
Why is Rugby Union Posh?
In many countries, Rugby Union is considered to be a sport for the middle classes. Stereotypically played in private schools by the sons of professionals, the sport often struggles to overcome this perception. However, how true is this assumption and why did the sport gain it in the first place?
Written by
·