On August 27, 1995, the structure of Rugby Union shifts from amateur to professional play.

In the mid-19th century, rugby took the world by storm, with its birth in England on 27 August 1859. The sport quickly gained popularity, particularly among the working classes in northern England, in regions like Yorkshire and Lancashire.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU), established in 1871, initially maintained the tradition of rugby as an amateur sport. However, this stance conflicted with the need for players to earn a living. To compensate for lost earnings, some northern sides paid "broken time" to the players, which was considered payment for playing the game and was eventually found unacceptable by the RFU.

Meetings to resolve this issue ended in deadlock, leading to a significant separation in 1895. Many northern clubs left the RFU to found Rugby League, an "other code" to Rugby Union. This separation occurred approximately 100 years ago.

The professionalization of Rugby Union started to emerge in the 1980s, with players starting to take sponsorship payments. This led to accusations of "shamateurism" in 1995, but the tide was turning. On 27 August 1995, the International Rugby Board (IRB) agreed to do away with Rugby Union's amateur status, marking a significant change in the sport.

This decision came at a time when Rugby Union was gaining worldwide recognition. The first Rugby Union World Cup was held in 1987, and the 1995 World Cup, in particular, significantly raised the profile of the sport. The final of this tournament, held in South Africa, symbolized reconciliation following the apartheid era, with Nelson Mandela handing the victorious white South African captain the trophy.

Rugby Union's newfound professional status brought about significant changes in player earnings. Today, the highest paid Rugby Union player, Owen Farrell, earns a yearly salary of £1.2 million. While this is a substantial sum, it pales in comparison to the earnings of football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

The separation between Rugby Union and Rugby League, though a significant event in the history of both sports, has not diminished the passion and excitement that rugby continues to evoke around the world. From its humble beginnings to its current global status, rugby continues to captivate audiences and players alike, offering a testament to the enduring spirit of the game.

On August 27, 1995, the structure of Rugby Union shifts from amateur to professional play.