Lost in thought about your favorite team? Welcome to the World Rugby Museum. It is located in the South Stand of Twickenham Stadium. This London museum is dedicated to the history of rugby. It holds a vast collection of rugby memorabilia.
The World Rugby Museum first opened in 1996. It was then called The Museum of Rugby. In 2008, it was renamed the World Rugby Museum. This change reflected its expanding collection. It also highlighted its role as a global focal point for rugby heritage. The museum was rebuilt in the South Stand in 2017. The Rugby Football Union invested £1.8M in this project.
Inside the World Rugby Museum, you will find over 37000 items. These include boots, balls, jerseys, and match-day programs. There are also books and other paraphernalia. The museum has rotating exhibitions. These showcase different aspects of its collection.
Past exhibitions at the World Rugby Museum have covered a wide range of topics. These included “HQ at 100” and “More Than A Tour, the 1905 All-Blacks”. “Brave Blossoms: The History of Rugby in Japan” was also featured.
Permanent exhibitions at the World Rugby Museum include “The 1871 Room”. Others are “Amateurs and Professionals”, “Wartime Rugby”, and the “6-Nations Gallery”. A highlight is the “Rugby World Cup” exhibit. Don’t miss the interactive gallery: “What Kind of Rugby Player Are You?”
The World Rugby Museum also focuses on education. Its “Workshops and Seminars” program has won awards. These hands-on sessions cover topics like “Rugby Strips & Textiles”. Seminars are led by professionals from the Rugby Football Union. They discuss topics like “History of Rugby and Football in Britain”.
The World Rugby Museum has an extensive collection of rugby memorabilia. It includes over 25000 recorded objects. There are also 7000 pieces of archival material. The collection features 7-8000 photographs. Key items include the Calcutta Cup and the 2003 Rugby World Cup. An 1871 England Jersey and Cap are on display. Also, see an 1888 Anglo-Australian Tour Jersey and Cap.
The Rugby Archive at the World Rugby Museum contains over 7000 items. These include books and match programs. You’ll also find minutes and club histories. Highlights include Rugby Football Union minutes from 1871-1949. Also featured are the 1907 Twickenham Stadium deeds.
Consider taking a Twickenham Stadium Tour. The World Rugby Museum operates these tours. They provide access to exclusive areas. Visit the Royal Box and the Players’ Tunnel. You can even go pitch-side. The tour ends with a visit to the World Rugby Museum.
The World Rugby Museum is part of the Rugby Football Foundation. This is a charitable trust established by the Rugby Football Union. The museum’s mission is to celebrate rugby union’s history. It shares the culture and tradition of rugby. This applies to all forms of the game worldwide. Whether you are a die-hard fan or new to the sport, the World Rugby Museum offers something for everyone.