The expansion of rugby in the first half of the 19th century was driven by ex-pupils from many of England's Public Schools, especially Rugby, who, upon finishing school, took the game with them to universities, to London, and to the counties [REF].
In 1875, England played their first game against the Irish at the Oval, winning by one goal, one drop goal and one try to nil;[REF] the match was Ireland's first ever Test [REF].