MacPherson’s tireless efforts to promote Russian sport earned him a unique Imperial honour, and the enmity of the Communists.

British factory workers started a historic three-cornered league in the Russian city of St Petersburg.

The Nazi-collaborating Vichy government in France paid Rugby League the supreme compliment: they banned it.

The less glamorous code of Rugby football, but the best for sheer speed and strength.

A young Indian student from Cambridge was selected for England’s cricket team after public pressure.

Max fully deserves his reputation as England’s greatest all-round sportsman.