This volume investigates the comprehensive historical record of the English national rugby team from its inception in 1871 through the 1982 season. John F. Griffiths provides a detailed chronological account of the sport's development, utilizing archival records and match statistics to document the evolution of English rugby. The text serves as a definitive reference for the team's performance, key players, and significant matches during this foundational century of international competition.

The work functions as a dense, archival resource intended for sports historians and dedicated followers of the game. Its scope provides a meticulous, data-driven foundation for understanding the early development of international rugby in England.