Rugby union in Nigeria

Not to be confused with Rugby union in Niger.

Rugby union in Nigeria
CountryNigeria
Governing bodyNigerian Rugby Football Federation
National team(s)Nigeria
Registered players7930 [1]
Clubs26

Rugby union in Nigeria is a minor but growing sport. They are currently ranked 70th by World Rugby.[2]

Governing body

The governing body is the Nigerian Rugby Football Federation.

History

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

A number of notable England players were born or raised in Nigeria, including:

Bright Sodje who formerly played for Wakefield RFC and current England international Maro Itoje are also of Nigerian background.

See also

References

  1. ^ "World Rugby Year in Review 2018".
  2. ^ "Men's Rankings | World Rugby".
  3. ^ "LONDON NIGERIAN RUGBY CLUB | for the Playas, by the Playas". Archived from the original on 15 November 2015. Retrieved 15 July 2022.