Rugby union in Nigeria
| Rugby union in Nigeria | |
|---|---|
| Country | Nigeria |
| Governing body | Nigerian Rugby Football Federation |
| National team(s) | Nigeria |
| Registered players | 7930 [1] |
| Clubs | 26 |
Rugby union in Nigeria is a minor but growing sport. They are currently ranked 70th by World Rugby.[2]
Governing body
[edit]The governing body is the Nigerian Rugby Football Federation.
History
[edit]Rugby union was first introduced into Nigeria by the British empire. For a number of years the game was dominated by white settlers and expatriates, and to an extent, a number of expatriate oil workers still play there.
A number of Nigerian people have emigrated to the UK, and there is a London Nigerian Rugby Club.[3]
Notable players
[edit]A number of notable England players were born or raised in Nigeria, including:
- Adedayo Adebayo
- Ayoola Erinle
- Steve Ojomoh
- Victor Ubogu
- Topsy Ojo
- Chris Oti
- Marcus Watson
- Andrew Harriman
Bright Sodje who formerly played for Wakefield RFC and current England international Maro Itoje are also of Nigerian background.
See also
[edit]External links
[edit]- IRB Nigeria page
- CAR
- Nigerian women holding their own in rugby
- Club plans big for rugby in Nigeria
- Nigeria reaches milestone
- (in French) Historique
- "Islam and Rugby" on the Rugby Readers review
References
[edit]- ^ "World Rugby Year in Review 2018".
- ^ "Men's Rankings | World Rugby".
- ^ "LONDON NIGERIAN RUGBY CLUB | for the Playas, by the Playas". Archived from the original on 15 November 2015. Retrieved 15 July 2022.