Rising rugby interest in Africa is not limited to just South Africa, and several emerging nations, particularly Zimbabwe and Namibia, have shown impressive growth.
A comprehensive report published by World Rugby, exactly one year on from the Rugby World Cup 2019 final, based on results from two global surveys has highlighted the sport’s strong growth in both established and emerging rugby nations during 2019.
In a game-changing year for the sport, there was a significant increase in the perceived attractiveness of the sport resulting in a sharp increase in interest, inspired by the rise of women in rugby and a trail-blazing Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan.
Conducted by global measurement and data analytics industry leaders Nielsen, the studies collected and analysed data from both traditional and emerging rugby nations around the world and the key findings released in a white paper titled, ‘Global Reach of Rugby 2019.’
World Rugby Chairman, Bill Beaumont, said, “The results of this global Nielsen research demonstrate that 2019 was a fantastic year for our sport, exemplified by a historic and spectacular Rugby World Cup and growing interest around the globe, with significant strides forward in the women’s game and amongst emerging nations.
“We have seen phenomenal growth in interest, particularly in Japan and across Asia, and we are working closely together with our unions, partners and other stakeholders to build on that momentum to continue the strong development of our sport with progressive and sustainable change as we all adapt to the ‘new normal’ in global sport.”
Continuing, he stated, “While acknowledging that the results presented in this document were compiled before the COVID-19 pandemic began, the positive insights of this research give us a reason for great optimism as we focus on the collective drive to return to the international rugby field in a safe, secure and stronger environment.”
