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]
The governing body is the Nigerian Rugby Football Federation.
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]
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.