<P> On 26 August 1995 , the International Rugby Board declared rugby union an `` open '' game and thus removed all restrictions on payments or benefits to those connected with the game . It did this because of a committee conclusion that to do so was the only way to end the hypocrisy of shamateurism and to keep control of rugby union . </P>
<P> On 26 August 1995 , the International Rugby Board declared rugby union an `` open '' game and thus removed all restrictions on payments or benefits to those connected with the game . It did this because of a committee conclusion that to do so was the only way to end the hypocrisy of shamateurism and to keep control of rugby union . </P>
when did rugby union become a professional sport
when did rugby union become a professional sport
26 August 1995
26 August 1995