Have you ever wondered when rugby and cricket became professional sports? Both games started as amateur sports, where players weren’t paid for their skills. But over time, financial opportunities, growing audiences, and commercial pressures led to their professionalization.
In this article, we will explore:
- The history of cricket and rugby professionalism
- Key moments like Kerry Packer’s World Series Cricket
- How rugby league split in 1895
- The IRB’s decision in 1995 to make rugby union professional
- The impact of professionalism on both sports
The Amateur Era of Rugby and Cricket
Why Were Cricket and Rugby Originally Amateur Sports?
Cricket and rugby were once dominated by the upper class, who saw sports as a leisure activity rather than a career. The Rugby Football Union (RFU) and cricket governing bodies enforced strict amateur rules.
In early cricket, players were divided into:
- “Gentlemen” – amateur players (usually wealthy)
- “Players” – working-class professionals who were paid but not treated as equals
Rugby had even stricter rules—players were banned if they accepted money, even for missing work due to a match.
When Did Cricket Turn Professional?
The Early Days of Professional Cricket
Although cricket had paid players in county cricket in the 19th century, it wasn’t fully professional. Players relied on match fees, and only a few earned enough to make a living.
The Impact of Kerry Packer’s World Series Cricket (1977)
In 1977, Australian media mogul Kerry Packer launched World Series Cricket (WSC), changing the game forever.
What did WSC introduce?
Colored clothing (instead of traditional white)
Night matches under floodlights
White cricket balls for better visibility
Player contracts – first step toward professionalism
Official cricket boards initially banned WSC, but its success forced the International Cricket Council (ICC) to adapt.
The Official Professionalization of Cricket
By the 1990s, cricket became fully professional with:
- Central contracts for players (ensuring stable salaries)
- The rise of T20 leagues like the IPL, PSL, and Big Bash League
- Huge broadcasting and sponsorship deals
Today, cricket professionalism is at its peak, with leagues like the IPL generating billions and cricketers ranking among the highest-paid athletes in the world.
When Did Rugby Turn Professional?
The Strict Amateur Code of Rugby Union
Unlike cricket, rugby union resisted professionalism for over 100 years. The RFU and International Rugby Board (IRB) feared that money would ruin the spirit of the game. Players who accepted payment were banned from playing rugby union.
The Impact of Rugby League’s Professionalism (1895)
In 1895, rugby split into two:
- Rugby Union – remained amateur
- Rugby League – turned professional
The split happened because Northern England clubs wanted to pay players for lost wages, but the RFU refused. As a result, rugby league became professional decades earlier.
The Professionalization of Rugby Union (1995)
After 100 years of amateurism, the IRB officially declared rugby union a professional sport in 1995.
What led to this change?
- Growing TV revenues and sponsorship potential
- Player demands for payment due to increasing workloads
- The success of rugby league as a professional sport
Since then, rugby professionalism has transformed the game, with players now receiving multi-million-dollar contracts.
Comparison: Rugby vs. Cricket Professionalism
| Aspect | Cricket | Rugby Union |
|---|---|---|
| First signs of professionalism | 19th century (county cricket) | 1895 (rugby league split) |
| Key turning point | Kerry Packer’s WSC (1977) | IRB decision (1995) |
| Full professionalization | 1990s with central contracts | 1995 onwards |
| Impact | IPL, global leagues, billion-dollar industry | Faster, more physical game, financial growth |
Both sports now thrive with massive sponsorships, TV deals, and global competitions like the IPL, Rugby World Cup, and The Hundred.
The Modern Era of Professional Cricket and Rugby
How Professionalism Transformed Cricket
IPL, Big Bash, PSL – global T20 leagues
Player salaries skyrocketed with sponsorship deals
More competitive matches with intense training and analytics
How Professionalism Changed Rugby
Increased player fitness and intensity
More structured leagues (Super Rugby, Premiership Rugby)
Huge TV rights and sponsorship deals
Today, both sports are billion-dollar industries, dominating global sports markets.
Conclusion
So, what year did rugby and cricket become professional sports?
Cricket turned professional in stages, with the biggest shift in 1977 (World Series Cricket) and full acceptance by the 1990s.
Rugby union remained amateur until 1995 when the IRB officially declared it professional.
Both transitions revolutionized these sports, making them faster, more competitive, and financially sustainable. Whether you’re a fan of the IPL, Rugby World Cup, or county cricket, you’re witnessing the power of professional sports at its peak!
FAQs
1. Why was rugby union against professionalism for so long?
Rugby’s governing bodies feared that money would corrupt the game and ruin its traditions.
2. Who were the first professional cricketers?
Early professional cricketers were county players in England during the 19th century, though they weren’t fully recognized.
3. What changes did professionalism bring to rugby?
It led to fitter athletes, faster gameplay, structured leagues, and bigger salaries.
4. How did Kerry Packer influence professional cricket?
He introduced player contracts, night matches, and colored clothing, forcing cricket boards to embrace professionalism.
5. Why did rugby league become professional before rugby union?
Northern clubs wanted to pay players for lost wages, leading to a split from rugby union in 1895.