The history of the Victoria Rugby Union (now known as Rugby Victoria) is a story of repeated starts, pauses, and revivals. While rugby union has been played in Victoria since at least the late 1840s or 1850s, its official governing body has a more complex history. The Melbourne Rugby Union was established in 1888, and the first clubs were formed. A Victorian team played against the touring British side (now recognized as the first British Lions). In 1890, cub competition ceased due to a lack of players. In 1893, a new administrative body, the Victorian Rugby Union, was formed. The first inter-colonial match for Victoria took place in 1894, with the team defeating South Wales. However, in 1899, competition lapsed again after a significant loss to the British Lions. In 1908, the Victorian Rugby Union was re-formed, prompted by a letter from the New South Wales Rugby Union. This led to a Victorian team playing the first Wallabies on their way to Great Britain. In 1909, the Dewar Shield, a trophy still awarded today, was first contested by four clubs: Melbourne, East Melbourne, South Melbourne, and University. From 1914-1926, competition ceased again with the outbreak of World War I. Apart from a brief revival in 1921 for a match against the touring Springboks, the game was largely dormant in the state until 1926. In 1926, the present governing body, the Victorian Rugby Union (VRU), was founded. This came about when six Rugby League clubs decided to convert to Union. The 1930s is often referred to as the “Golden Years of Victorian Rugby.” The state team played numerous matches against international and interstate opponents, and a number of Victorian players were selected for the Wallabies, including the first Victorian-born player, Sir Edward “Weary” Dunlop, in 1932. In 1933, Dave Cowper became Victoria’s first, and to date, only, Wallaby captain. Again, from 1939-1945, competition was suspended again due to World War II, resuming in 1946. In 1958, Victoria hosted its first-ever test match, with Australia playing the Maoris at Olympic Park Stadium. In 2017, The Victorian Rugby Union was re-branded as Rugby Victoria to align with the national re-brand.