Why is the false Webb Ellis myth still promoted as the origin of rugby?

Question

Why is the false Webb Ellis myth still promoted as the origin of rugby?

Answer 1

Probably because the original source is somewhat convoluted, and not completely known.  It's much easier to talk about a person, rather than a few people altering rules of another sport to make up a new one.  IThe webb Ellis tale is an entertaining story people like to retell.  It appeals to the "against the grain" philosophy many rugby players have, and it is an easy story to remember.  The world cup trophy is the Webb Ellis Cup so it is completely intertwined in rugby and I doubt it will ever stop being promoted, just because the legend has been around so long.

Answer 2

Are you sure it is a myth? And if you are sure, what are the true origins of rugby? Any suggestions? I am willing to put a few coins on a bet that for every suggestion you give, someone will give a reason why that suggestion can not be true.

The point is, nobody knows the real origins. It could have been good old William. (That is, if he existed.) And it is a plausible story. As any good journalist will tell you, why mess up a good story with the facts. So unless there is a waterproof factual story to replace the present one, lets stick to what we want to believe.

Answer 3

Some have the view that it was created by a ancient civilisation on a beach somewhere using coconuts and was actually a important part of thier religion, and we should think of rugby as more than "just a excuse for a pissup"...and a lot more like church...and by playing and enjoying rugby we are actually being blasphemous...this will probably lead to accusations of  "disrespectfulness"...and to  court injunctions ..and possibly even more preciousness....so it's best if we leave the game to the english..who (bless em) really don't seem to mind who plays it.

Answer 4

who knows?!