Rugby, once the preserve of traditional powerhouses like New Zealand, England, and South Africa, is enjoying a period of global expansion. This growth is largely driven by increased participation in emerging markets and a significant rise in women’s and youth rugby.
Expansion in Emerging Nations
Countries such as Montenegro, Jordan, and Morocco are a testament to the sport’s growing global reach, adding to the roster of rugby teams across the world.
Montenegro, which became a full member of Rugby Europe in 2021, has rapidly ascended to full World Rugby membership. This nation, with its seven registered clubs, competes in various formats, including both sevens and beach rugby.
Similarly, Jordan, an associate member since 2020, has achieved full member status, showcasing a thriving women’s game and a competitive men’s team. Morocco, following a period of restructuring, has also been reinstated as a full member.
Rising Participation Rates
Globally, rugby participation has seen a significant boost. As of 2023, there are 8.46 million players worldwide, marking an 11% increase from the previous year.
This includes 1.5 million active non-registered players, 5 million registered participants, and 1.9 million active registered players.
Notably, the number of rugby clubs has surged by 30%, with significant growth in countries like Belgium, Spain, Singapore, Ghana, Nigeria, and Zambia.
Women’s Rugby and Sevens
The growth of women’s rugby and rugby sevens is pivotal to this expansion. The Women’s Rugby World Cup, being held in the UK in 2025, is expected to break records for attendance and viewership, setting a strong precedence for future growth.
The inclusion of rugby sevens in the Olympics has further boosted the sport’s profile and participation rates globally. The success of China and South Africa in qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics speaks to the rising popularity and competitive standards in this particular code of rugby.
Strategic Investments and Future Prospects
World Rugby invested $712 million between 2020 and 2023 to support the sport’s development, contributing to rugby’s $8.4 billion global value.
This investment has facilitated recovery from the pandemic and driven expansion, particularly in women’s and youth participation. Efforts include targeting growth markets, improving player retention, and increasing women’s participation, which could add significant value.
Conclusion
In summary, rugby’s global growth is a testament to its increasing popularity and the concerted efforts of World Rugby to make the sport accessible to all. The future looks promising as new nations and communities embrace the sport, as well as existing ones continuing to thrive, cementing rugby’s place as a truly global game
