Rugby beyond the core in Africa

Abstract

This chapter will focus on the growth of rugby in Africa and will identify which countries stand out in different versions of the game, in an attempt to look beyond the one core nation in Africa. South Africa is one of the eight foundation nations of the sport’s governing body, and they are the only country on the continent where the sport excels. The sport is underdeveloped outside South Africa, and this chapter will focus on World Rugby’s strategy for development on the continent and will consider the role of the sport in the countries that have made it to the RWC (Namibia, Zimbabwe and Ivory Coast). There are attempts to grow the women’s game, and the sevens version shows much potential, especially in Kenya where they are beginning to see international recognition.