The Popularity of Rugby Union Across the World
Rugby Union has enduring popularity across all continents, with the World Cup drawing in new fans with its exciting gameplay and state of the art coverage.
Widely played in schools and small towns, and now with women’s rugby soaring in popularity, the game’s grassroots base is as strong as ever. Rugby is enjoyed at a provincial club level by millions of supporters around the globe, and avidly followed by patriotic fans during internationals, and has even featured in the Olympic Games. Let’s look at some of the nations where the sport is most popular.
New Zealand
Where else to start but with the mighty All Blacks? Rugby is more than a sport in New Zealand, it forms the backbone of the nations’ sporting culture. The All Blacks hold an imposing 77% win record in international tests, and with three World Cup wins – matched only by South Africa – they are one of the most successful rugby playing nations in history. The sport is visible all over New Zealand, played by all ages.
And the Maori ritual haka has become an iconic element of Rugby pageantry, as well as part of wider popular culture. New Zealand seems to have managed the COVID-19 pandemic very effectively, and fans will be hoping to pack out stadiums again in the near future.
Wales
Another nation where rugby is part of the national psyche, Wales, despite its small population, has been one of the most successful teams of recent years. After a glorious era in the 1970s, the national team had a period of time in the wilderness, but more recently have carved their way through the opposition to win the Six Nations and reached the semi-finals of the Rugby World Cup in 2011 and 2019.
Part of the reason the nation has such a strong rugby culture is the emphasis put on the game in schools. Whereas more and more schools across the border in England emphasise football more prominently, rugby has remained the stalwart in Wales. This, coupled with a strong domestic league, has meant more elite players filtering through the system.
Ireland
The Irish national team has enjoyed successes over the years, with iconic players from 60s and 70s legends like Willie John McBride and Mike Gibson, through to legends of the modern era such as Brian O’Driscoll and Paul O’Connell. While the national team has had its share of triumphs, the sport isn’t as popular at a grassroots level as in other ‘traditional’ rugby countries – perhaps because of the prevalence of sports such as Gaelic football and hurling.
Australia
The last few years have been tough for the Wallabies. Despite triumph in the 2015 World Cup, they now lie a disappointing 7th in the international standings and an underwhelming 46% win ratio in matches since that victory five years ago. The COVID-19 pandemic has also had a negative effect, with staff cuts at all levels of the game. But it isn’t all bad news – the women’s game has surged in popularity, and with the junior side finding success, the future could get brighter.
England
It is seventeen years since Jonny Wilkinson scored that iconic kick to win the 2003 World Cup for England. Since then, the national team has enjoyed only sporadic success. But on the back of that victory, the game grew in popularity among both men and women.
File photo dated 22-11-2003 of England celebrates with the World Cup.
Still played widely in schools, but on the back foot compared to football, English rugby is still a potent force, and enjoys considerable and avid support from fans.
Japan
Despite a typhoon affecting early matches, the 2019 World Cup in Japan was a huge success, boosting the profile of the sport in the country. Victories by the host nation over both Ireland and Scotland sent supporters into a frenzy and cemented the game as a popular pursuit in the country. It is also popular with women, so much so, that it inspired a stirring Guinness commercial.
Rugby Union’s appeal is spreading around the world, despite the game being dominated by the traditional playing nations. From school pitches to huge stadiums, the sport is prospering, attracting new players and fans year by year.