English Rugby League

Sean Fagan of RL1908.com

England is the birthplace of rugby league – formed in 1895 as the "Northern Union" by disaffected rugby clubs and their players, breaking away from amateur rugby union. In 1906 the code introduced its now signature features of 13-a-side and the play-the-ball.

James Lomas

The first England team, including the famous centre James Lomas, took to the field in 1904 in a match against a side dubbed as “Other Nationalities” (formed from the numerous Welsh and Scottish footballers drawn to the professional rugby code).

Since that time England has appeared in well over 100 games against Wales, France and “Other Nationalities” in European tournaments and other international matches since.

However, over the past century the terms “England” and “Great Britain” have also to a large extent become an inter-changeable name, particularly in regard to Tests, Lions tours and in most World Cups, with the side chosen from British players in the English rugby league competitions.

England played its first Test series in early 1908 against the visiting New Zealand team (losing 2-1). Despite the first up series defeat, the history of more than 100 matches between the Lions and Kiwis is firmly in the favour of the English.

Australia and England met for the first time in a Test at London in December 1908. The match ended in a 22-all draw, establishing a rivalry that continues a century later to still be close on the overall tally. For the majority of the 20th Century, the teams met in Ashes series (held along the lines of regular tours following the Ashes tradition in cricket).

England were practically unbeatable from the initial series in 1908 until just after WW2. Through the 1950s and until the early 1970s, both nations regularly swapped possession of the Ashes mantle. However, from 1973 through to the most recent tour in 2003, the Kangaroos have won every series.

The Lions made their final Ashes tour to Australia to date in 1992, with the introduction of end-of-season international tournaments and the decision of Super League in England to play in summer, making Ashes tours “down under” less practical.

England played its first match against France at Paris in 1934, winning 32-21 in an entertaining affair. The two nations have met on a semi-frequent basis ever since, dependent upon the ebbing standard of French rugby league.

In the first six World Cup tournaments the team entered as Great Britain, winning in 1957 (defeating France), 1960 (non-Final) and in 1972 (against Australia). Since the 1975 World Cup, England has stood independent of the other Home nations, apart from the 1988 and 1992 non-tournament series.

England traditionally wear the red and white colours of the national flag, depicting the Cross of St George. The flag was introduced to England in 1194 by King Richard - known as “Richard the Lionheart” for his courage and prowess. The first English/British rugby league team to tour Australia in 1910 were bestowed the (rather obvious) nickname of Lions by the Sydney press.