05 October 2021
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Royal Mail's eight stamps celebrate the 150th anniversaries of the formation of the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and the first international match between England and Scotland in 1871.
Ruby Union celebrated on eight British stamps
The Rugby legends from the men’s and women’s game feature on the stamps including:
- JPR Williams
- Emily Scarratt
- Danielle Waterman
- Sophie Spence
- Roy Laidlaw
- Kim Littlejohn
- Simon Geoghegan
- Melissa Berry
- Jonny Wilkinson
David Gold, Director of External Affairs & Policy, said:
"The sport of rugby continues to evolve today and is becoming an ever more inclusive sport – with almost three million women players across the world - increased diversity and inclusivity has seen the culture of the game change, both on and off the field. These stamps are a fitting way to mark Rugby Union's long and extraordinary history."
Royal Mail worked closely with all four Rugby Union Home Nations’ governing bodies on selecting the images to be included in the stamp issue.
Your stamp-by-stamp guide to the Rugby Union stamps
Women’s Rugby World Cup Final, 2014
After defeat in three successive finals, England win the World Cup. Tries from Emily Scarratt (pictured, with ball) and Danielle Waterman secure victory.
Five Nations Championship, 1970
A victory marking the start of a glorious era in Welsh rugby for a side featuring greats like JPR Williams (pictured), Gareth Edwards and Mervyn Davies.
Women’s Six Nations Championship, 2015
Needing to win to secure the title, a rampant Ireland – with lock Sophie Spence (pictured) to the fore – ran in 11 tries to become champions.
Five Nations Championship, 1984
Scrum-half Roy Laidlaw (pictured, with ball) scored two tries as Scotland became outright winners of the Five Nations Championship for the first time since 1938.
Women’s Home Nations Championship, 1998
Led by Kim Littlejohn (pictured, far left), Scotland complete a five-year journey from novices to best team in Europe with a win that boosted the sport’s status in the country.
Five Nations Championship, 1994
Ireland upset the odds to win at Twickenham for the first time in 12 years – a brilliant try by Simon Geoghegan (pictured) inspiring a generation of outstanding players.
Women’s Six Nations Championship, 2009
Non Evans kicks the winning penalty in the final minute as Wales, captained by Melissa Berry (pictured), beat England for the first time and win the Triple Crown.
Rugby World Cup Final, 2003
Jason Robinson’s try and five successful kicks from Jonny Wilkinson (pictured) see England become the first northern hemisphere country to win the World Cup.
The full set of eight stamps, available in a Presentation Pack, retails at £12.40.
Find out more at www.royalmail.com/rugbyunion