RUGBY matches will be screened live next year from the hallowed turf where the game began.
Rugby School has joined forces with NextGenXV to live stream every 2023 match held on the on the school’s famous Close.
It will mark the 200th anniversary of rugby football since William Webb Ellis caught the ball in his arms and ran with it while playing football.
And to celebrate the occasion, more than 25 days of matches have been scheduled on The Close when players of all ages, nationalities and abilities will have the chance to play the game where it all began.
Highlights include an international under18s sevens tournament featuring teams from across the world, Wan England versus Wales women’s under 18s match, and Mike Tindall captaining an England/Wales legends team v a Scotland/Ireland team.
The partnership with NextGenXV will allow fans who cannot be there in person to watch the action on screen as it happens.
NextGenXV’s mission is to celebrate school sport and to bring it to the big screen via live streams with games hosted on its YouTube channel.
Rugby School headmaster Peter Green said: “2023 on The Close at Rugby School will be the place to be for all rugby fans. “It’s important that all those who cannot be in here in person can still enjoy the incredible rugby matches staged during this momentous year, so live streaming is the next best thing.”
NextGenXV co-founder, Angus Savage, added “Rugby School is always a special place for the sport, but in 2023 it is going to be more than just the home and birthplace of the game, it is going to be the absolute hub of it.
“Everyone here at NextGenXV is thrilled to be involved and to play our part in bringing all of the action to the screens of those students, parents, staff, and alumni who cannot be there in person, as well as the wider rugby and schools rugby community.
“We are incredibly excited about plans for 2023 and so looking forward to it. The Close has seen some extraordinary moments during the last 199 years and we can’t wait to bring you every moment live from the 200th.”
Visit www.rugbyschool.co.uk/200-anniversary/ for further details.
