Girls Playing Rugby

1897 - To make the game more exciting, the Northern Union abolishes the line-out and reduces value of all goals to two points. Line outs were replaced with punting the ball back into play from the touch-line. Tries worth three points.
1897 - The Challenge Cup is established and proves a success from the start. Batley became the first winners, beating Saint Helens 10–3.
1898 - Professionalism is introduced in the Northern Union. The professionalism is strictly part-time, with players obliged to have other "proper" jobs.
1900 - Rugby Union features at the 1900 Olympics. It finishes in the 1924 Olympics.