On the 27th March 1871 the first representative International game was played. This was between England and Scotland and took place at Raeburn Place, Edinburgh. No trials were arranged, but the London based committee which raised the England team invited Liverpool and Manchester as the leading clubs in the North to nominate four players apiece. Half the England side were Old Rugbeians, including the three Liverpool men who actually played in the match; Frank Tobin (the club captain), John Clayton and Arthur Lyon (ringed clockwise from left in the photograph). Clayton was a forward, Lyon one of the three fullbacks, whilst at half-back, Tobin is reported to have played splendidly behind the scrum.
As for the game itself, Scotland won with a disputed try, which was converted into a goal. England also achieved a try but missed the attempt at goal. The following season England gained revenge in their first home International match, played at Kennington Oval.
As for the game itself, Scotland won with a disputed try, which was converted into a goal. England also achieved a try but missed the attempt at goal. The following season England gained revenge in their first home International match, played at Kennington Oval.
The First International
The following additional information, including the teams, was provided by Hugh Barrow, Vice President, Glasgow Academical Football Club
The First Ever International Game: Scotland v England played at Raeburn Place in Edinburgh, March 27th, in front of a crowd of 4000 (Scotland won by one goal and one try to one goal, the teams were 20-a-side and Halves were 50 minutes each). The try was awarded after a 10 minute argument, leading to a famous aphorism by Dr. HH Almond, the Scottish umpire: "I must say, however, that when an umpire is in doubt, I think he is justified in deciding against the side which makes the most noise. They are probably in the wrong."
The scores for Scotland were obtained by Angus Buchanan, from whose try W. Cross kicked a goal, but he was unsuccessful in his attempt to convert the second try which he scored himself. The English try was credited to R. H. Birkett, but F. Stokes, the English captain, was unsuccessful with the place kick.
