So why do England Rugby use a rose?
In order to uncover the answer, we must delve into the past to 1871. This was the year when the first international game between Scotland and England was played, and it also marked the debut of the now-famous red rose.
Some people are curious as to why England Rugby didn’t choose the three lions, like other national sports teams.
Although it has undergone several design changes over the years, its distinctiveness has always remained intact. From 1920, the design was standardized, and this remained the case until 1998, when it was updated to its current form.
While there’s no definite explanation for the RFU using the flower, one possibility is that the rose was perceived as being more closely associated with the English monarchy, as opposed to the three lions.
The rose was first adopted as an English emblem during the War of the Roses in the 15th century.
The war was between the royal house of Lancaster (whose emblem was a red rose) and the royal house of York (whose emblem was a white rose).
The war ended in 1485 when Elizabeth of York (The white rose) married Henry VII (the red rose), and the two combined to create the Tudor Rose.
Another possible reason behind the rugby teams decision to use a red rose rises from the fact that the official colour for Rugby School is red.
This is where the game of rugby is said to have originated, and the school are very proud of this fact. Elizabeth I, who as above used a red rose as her emblem, presented the school’s founder, Lawrence Shefford, with a coat of arms in which the red rose featured prominently.
Charles Tyrwhitt and the Rose:
As official formalwear partner to England Rugby, Charles Tyrwhitt offers an exclusive collection of the most refined fan-gear yet.
With the rose embroidered in full colour on Knitwear, Shirts, Polos or even socks, the iconic emblem means you can be the ultimate fan and support the team in style whether you’re at Twickenham, the pub or at home.