March 22: First ‘La Crunch’ Match

Rugby Shorts

The first La Crunch match between England and France was played on this day in rugby history in 1906. England crossed the channel and provided a lesson in the 35-8 win at the Parc des Princes in Paris.

The match was only Les Bleus second and they were optimistic heading into the match. Despite losing to the All Blacks on January 1, 1906 they had scored against the New Zealand side an accomplishment England could not boast.

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In these early days it was not unheard of for a national team to have players of other nationalities and the France lineup included an American, Allen Muhr, and Englishman, William Crichton, and a Welshman, Ernest Lewis.