History of rugby union a successful kick at goal after scoring a try (a conversion) and three points for a dropped goal or for a penalty goal. Most of the changes have been to increase the value of tries compared to goals (conversions, penalties, dropped-goals, and goals from mark) in order to promote positive, attacking play. The first national rugby union was the Rugby Football Union, founded in England in 1871. This was followed over the next decade by the home nations of Scottish Football Union (1873, later SRU), Irish Rugby Football Union (1879) and Welsh Rugby Union (1881). The French Federation (1919) and
Ray Nelson (rugby union) Ray Nelson (rugby union) Ray Nelson (born June 11, 1961 in Glasgow, Scotland) is a former rugby union player who played fullback for the United States national rugby union team. Nelson played in 25 test matches for the United States from 1983 to 1991, starting in 23. Nelson represented the U.S. at both the 1987 and 1991 Rugby World Cup. Nelson's 13 points and perfect 4-for-4 goalkicking in a 1987 World Cup match gave the United States its first ever World Cup win in a match against Japan. Nelson scored 28 points for the U.S. at the 1987 and 1991