Have a look at this vintage Rugby Poster from England.

Rugby Posters like this were used to advertise the sale of tobacco
in the early part of the 20th century.

Like many sports, rugby (both codes) has been used until recent times to advertise alcohol and tobacco products for sale - Rugby Posters were very popular.

Of course, while this is clearly a Rugby Poster - it is arguable which rugby code it is. Is it a Rugby League poster or a Rugby Union poster?

Many rugby poster collectors suggest it is a Rugby League poster as it only depicts two players, the background looks typically northern England (where RL dominates) and it is unlikely that the RFU would have been allowing or encouraging use of its game for commercial gain.

Interestingly, this rugby poster was recently purchased by the RFU Museum a Rugby Poster Auction. What do you think - is it League or Union? Or is it deliberately meant to be ambiguous?

See also our look at these Rugby Posters

 

Rugby History (pre 1895)
The History of Rugby - did Rugby History really start with William Webb Ellis at Rugby School?
A short discussion on the history of Rugby Posters and advertising
Explain the game: Rugby is the parent game of many of the modern football codes...
The shape of Rugby Balls was initially much rounder than Rugby Balls are now...
How the names and roles of Rugby Positions evolved into today's Rugby positions...
The first Rugby Rules and how they developed into the standard Rules of Rugby before 1895 and the Northern Union...
The Origin of Rugby began in the early 1800's...
What Country Saw the Origin of Rugby