1823
Rugby introduced by pupil Williams Webb Ellis at Rugby School, England

1839
Cambridge University students take up game

1845
Rugby school draws up rules for game

1851
William Gilbert creates the first oval-shaped 'Rugby School Football'

1871
Rugby Football Union founded by 20 clubs

1872
First international game played between England and Scotland

1883
Seven-a-side rugby tournament hosted by Scottish side Melrose as a money raising exercise

1884
England wins first Home Championship

1890
International Rugby Football Board (IRFB) formed

1926
The inaugural Middlesex Sevens tournament is held at Twickenham

1939
The inaugural Rosslyn Park Sevens tournament is hosted in London, England

1973
First international rugby sevens tournament held at Murrayfield to celebrate the centenary of the Scottish Rugby Union

1976
The first Hong Kong International Sevens Tournament takes place

1993
Rugby World Cup sevens launched in Scotland

1999
IRB World Sevens Series instigated