AN old mate Ken Turrell – one season we combined to form the smallest second row partnership in history for Reigate GS – has written taking me to task for stating that the inaugural Scotland v England rugby international in 1871 was the first ever properly constituted international in any team sport.
I made the claim after dismissing the counter claims of Association Football which staged two football ‘internationals’ between England and Scotland before the date of rugby’s first gala international at Raeburn Place on March 27 1871.
On closer investigation ...