Resources generally

This looks like an interesting initiative - I hope it gets enough support. I'll try to dig out some notes.

Apart from scouring the internet, which turns up far too much rubbish, I have found the Reference Library at Twickenham to be excellent: an almost complete set of law books, minute books of the RFU, international (and some other) match programmes, plus almost any book published on rugby including Marhall's 1892 volume. It's free, but you have to let them know in advance.

I also found the Trophy Room in the Cardiff club house had some useful stuff.

Hi OB,

Welcome to the forum

You are right that the Internet can be very frustrating unless you know exactly where you want and where it is!

That said, if you persist at times you can find a vein of gold out there!

For those in the UK I have found that through my local county library website I can access the online archives of the Times & the Observer/Manchester Guardian. These are absolutely great for match reports/ obituaries etc

Of course the stats page at scrum.com is great for basic data

Adrian

It can also be worthwhile contacting the clubs directly, some of them have designated archivists or at least the links to someone who acts as one for the club.

In my own experience Harlequins have been most helpful.

Pip pip,

Tim

I run a website called www.rugbyfootballhistory.com, and I have a personal library of some 2000 books etc.
If you ever have questions you are welcome to email me and I'll try my best to provide answers if I have them that is.

regards,
Nigel

Thanks Nigel, that is very kind.

It is good to see you on the forum.

Do you have a key area of interest?

Pip pip,

Tim

The British Library have online over 40 Newspapers. All searchable.
I get access via Bristol Central Library.
I'm sure your central library will be the same
They are advertised as Victorian Newspapers and so only go up to 1901
They are mostly local papers such as Bristol Mercury, Freeman's (Dublin), Belfast Newsletter, Western Mail (Cardiff)
See http://newspapers.bl.uk/blcs/

The sadly defunct Wakefield RFC archive is now in the national archives - but held locally in the Wakefield archives. In addition, I have a substantial amount of material - press reports/programmes which are part of my personal collection and if any one needs any information about the club or its former players, let me know and I will check what I have/is available.