About Webb Ellis

Webb Ellis has a proud history of supplying kit & equipment to the world’s leading unions, tournaments, counties, clubs, and schools. Internationally, the Welsh Rugby Union, the Heineken Cup, D1A & World Rugby have all played with Webb Ellis match balls. For many years, Webb Ellis have been kitting out EMRU, Warwickshire RFU, Somerset RFU, Staffordshire RU, and several leading clubs with the most technologically advanced playing kit and leisure apparel.

The Rugby Timeline: From Webb Ellis to the World Stage

1823

The Moment That Changed Everything

At Rugby School in England, a young boy named William Webb Ellis picked up the ball and ran. A moment of instinct. A spark of rebellion. From that single act, a new game — and a new attitude — was born. A sport defined not by rules, but by the courage to break them.

1845

Where the Game Took Shape

The first Laws of Rugby Football were written, setting down principles of respect, teamwork, and integrity. Values that have endured for 200 years — and continue to shape every piece of equipment bearing the Webb Ellis name.

1871

From Field to Federation

The Rugby Football Union was formed, and the first international match — England vs. Scotland — brought the game to a new stage. What began on one school field became a movement uniting nations.

1880s–1890s

The Game Goes Global

From the green fields of Britain to the sun-baked pitches of Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand, rugby’s heartbeat spread worldwide. The spirit of Webb Ellis — creativity, respect, defiance — travelled with it.

1900

Olympic Ambition

Rugby took its place on the Olympic stage. A sport born from one bold act now inspired the world’s boldest athletes. More than a game — a statement of what’s possible.

1921

The First Women’s Match

A quiet revolution began in New Zealand, as women took the field for the first time. It was the beginning of a new chapter — one that continues to redefine the game. Today, Webb Ellis proudly supports the rise of women’s rugby — built on the same foundation of strength, skill, and passion.

1987

The World Comes Together

The first Rugby World Cup united the global game. The trophy was named the Webb Ellis Cup — immortalising the boy who changed sport forever. Every time it’s lifted, it reminds the world that greatness begins with courage.

1991

The Women’s World Cup

The first Women’s Rugby World Cup took place in Wales. Despite limited recognition, players from around the world came together to prove what was possible when passion met purpose. Their fight paved the way for the thriving women’s game we see today.

1995

A Game That United a Nation

In South Africa, rugby became a symbol of hope. When Nelson Mandela handed the Webb Ellis Cup to François Pienaar, the moment transcended sport. It showed that rugby — like the boy who started it — could change the world.

2003

England’s Finest Hour

Jonny Wilkinson’s iconic drop goal sealed England’s first Rugby World Cup victory. Precision. Composure. Courage. Qualities that define champions — and the Webb Ellis brand.

2016

Rugby Returns to the Olympics

Rugby Sevens brought speed, flair, and inclusivity to the Olympic stage — where men and women now compete equally for gold. A full-circle moment for a game that began with a single bold step.

2023

200 Years of Rugby

Two centuries since Webb Ellis ran with the ball, his spirit lives on — in every match, every player, and every product that bears his name.

What began as legend has become legacy. And that legacy continues to evolve.

Directors

Lawrence Webb

Founder & Managing Director

A lifelong rugby player and craftsman, Lawrence Webb founded Webb Ellis Ltd in 1996 to create sports equipment that honours the game’s heritage while pushing performance forward. From a small workshop in Rugby — the birthplace of the sport — Lawrence built a brand recognised worldwide for quality, innovation, and authenticity.

The Team

John Smith

Product Designer

With a background in sports engineering and over 15 years in performance product design, John leads innovation at Webb Ellis Ltd.

Her career began in elite-level equipment testing, where she worked with professional players to understand how every stitch, seam, and surface affects performance.