Global rugby participation grew by 11% to 8.46 million players in 2023

  • Global rugby participation grew by 11% in 2023, reaching 8.46 million players.
  • Female participation increased by 37%, showing the fastest growth in the sport.
  • Male participation also rose by 26%.
  • The substantial rise in female players signals rugby’s growing inclusivity.
  • The global rise suggests rugby is gaining ground beyond traditional rugby nations.

Global rugby witnessed an 11% growth in 2023, bringing the total number of registered players worldwide to 8.46 million. This highlights rugby’s increasing global appeal and the success of efforts to grow the game across different regions. Both male and female participation have contributed significantly to this expansion, with each group showing remarkable year-on-year increases.

One of the standout insights is the rapid growth in female participation, which rose by 37%. This is a sign of how rugby is breaking barriers and expanding opportunities for women in sports. On the men’s side, participation also saw a 26% increase.

Source:

World Rugby

Period:

2023
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