Rugby Reloaded

In this Easter special, we take a look at Sherlock Holmes and rugby. What does the resident of 221B Baker Street have to do with rugby, and what is his connection to rugby's great split of 1895? All will be revealed in the first of the 'two podcasts in just four days' Easter weekend special.

In 1880 The Times said ‘the players of the rugby union game are probably twice as numerous as those of theFootball Association'. Rugby often attracted bigger crowds than even for the FA Cup Final. So what happened? How did soccer overtake and eclipse rugby? This is the story of Rugby's Great Own Goal.

In the first episode of our ten-minute half-time history talks, Rugby Reloaded explores the myth of William Webb Ellis, investigates why it emerged when it did, and looks at its unexpected consequences. For more, follow me on Twitter @collinstony or visit www.rugbyreloaded.com