History of Rugby Union in Scotland - Early History (pre 1867)

Early History (pre 1867)

Main article: History of Scottish football#Early history (pre 1867) See also: Ba game and rugby football

Until the mid-nineteenth century the distinction between rugby football and association football (soccer) did not exist in Scotland so both codes share the same history.

There is a long tradition of "football" games in Scotland, and many of these such as Jeddart Ball bear more resemblance to rugby than association football, since passing and carrying by hand play a large part in them. The Kirkwall Ba game still takes place, and involves scrummaging. Scottish soccer enthusiasts also cite these games as ancestral to their sport.