Rugby union in Nigeria

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:

• 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

• Nigeria national rugby union team
• Confederation of African Rugby
• Africa Cup

External links

• 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