Rugby Union is one of the most widely played sports in the world. 

Rugby was officially created in 1871, with its union and its rules. 

The first women’s matches took place a few years later, in the north of England.

04_EN In France, women only started playing rugby in the early 20th century. (The game was called “La Barette”.)

The rules were not the same: tackling the legs was forbidden and the distances were shorter.  

But this sport was considered unlady-like and dangerous for women.