Top 20 nations for registered players in a four year table

Here the full numbers in the last four years.

	Union	Registered players according World Rugby Year in review
		2018	2017	2016	2015
1	South Africa	635,288	530,393	405,438	358,378
2	England	355,153	359,447	382,154	363,667
3	Australia	271,922	273,095	230,753	241,577
4	France	258,247	272,792	542,242	283,483
5	New Zealand	156,074	155,934	150,727	150,564
6	USA	131,748	124,726	119,682	116,532
7	Fiji	123,900	122,489	122,453	66,124
8	Kenya	122,840	52,261	50,541	19,653
9	Argentina	121,281	109,357	105,151	97,940
10	China	113,686	49,502	35,361	23,500
11	Japan	108,796	109,312	105,693	106,120
12	Wales	107,959	94,000	83,120	75,421
13	Ireland	94,067	103,044	101,922	165,414
14	Italy	77,739	82,243	87,211	77,284
15	Sri Lanka	59,509	57,332	55,282	54,892
16	Madagascar	48,946	42,140	34,393	27,485
17	Scotland	46,050	47,703	49,265	49,305
18	Malaysia	38,022	10,950	10,250	9,350
19	Zimbabwe	32,895	31,328	26,318	24,110
20	Spain	29,081	33,482	34,822	27,510

*Best year in blue, worst year in red.

It's obvious some unions are lying in particular year. Huge rise in poor unions can also mean an improvement in record method.

Decoding World Rugby participation numbers

First, it would be useless to talk about the total players column. This number is a vastly joke aggregating every small initiatives where a boy touches a rugby ball. If soccer were to use a similar number, nearly 100% of male children on this planet would be in.
Only the "registered players" column deserves an analysis despite being far from perfect. According these imperfect numbers from World Rugby Year in review, total of registered players around the world knows a unprecedented 9 percent rise from 3.2 to 3.5 millions. This could be explained by several factors.

Top 10 nations overall for registered players

South Africa leads the ranking with an astonishing number of 635,288 players. Rugby is really massive grassroots sport in SA like anywhere else. This number surpasses the sum of the second and third nations and represent more than 18% of world total of registered players. This number allows to better understand the massive presence of SA players all around the world and the key role of South Africa in World Rugby internal politic. SA numbers are continuously rising more the sport spreads in all the nation. South Africa had 405,438 players in 2016 and 530,393 in 2017.

England is now easy 2nd with 355,153 since France numbers collapsed. Despite a slight decrease, participation numbers in England remains high since a decade now as no other grassroots sport emerges in UK. Australia confirm the third place taken in 2017 with a surprisingly stable number at 271,922 registered players. Despite all comments, Australia remains a highly sportive nation. And despite the competition of Aussie rule, rugby league and soccer, rugby union stays a well-implemented sport in Down Under.

France collapse (4th) seems like no end and is real to 258,247. France were the number one nation in registered players in 2016 with 542,242. This number came from a rise following 2007 RWC at home and 2011 RWC run to the final. According World Rugby, France lost half of his registered players in two years. It's more probable the decrease started earlier but it's true. Rugby badly suffered from the fantastic emergence of basketball in the last few years (nearly 700,000 players) and the constant rise of handball (550,000 players), this is a massive issue for World Rugby and easily explains why 2023 RWC hosting rights were awarded to France.

Only the top four nations represent more than 1,5 millions registered players. That can be considered as a huge problem when you observed France's situation.

New Zealand is the fifth nation in the world in registered players with steady number above 150,000. Many thought USA (6th, 131,748) would climb above New Zealand in 2018 but the participation doesn't rise as fast as expected (119,682 in 2016). Recent reports of insider claims numbers could decrease. Fiji is 7th with a logical steady number (123,900) considering the total population.

Numbers start to be dubious with Kenya rising to the 8th place in the world (from 52,261 to 122,840...). Kenya is well known to have improving participation numbers across Africa, but this one can't be considered seriously until next year. Argentina (9th, 121,281) continue his constant progression (97,940 in 2015, 105,151 in 2016, 109,357 in 2017) but he's now trailed by a giant. China seems to seriously gear up to reach 113,686 registered players. Considering the population of China, this is easy. World Rugby goal is to reach 1 million players in China in 2026. This is perfectly feasible. Don't be surprised to see China surpassed England in the next two years.

Asia top 5

So Japan lost his historic first place for participation numbers to China. Land of the rising sun will probably never recovers it. Japan numbers tend to prove most of the numbers are seriously documented because Japan lost some players in 2018 (108,796 from 109,312 in 2017). Japan neither benefit from last RWC performance or 2019 RWC at home. Third place in Asia goes to the traditional rugby nation of Sri Lanka (59,509) which have solid numbers since years.

Malaysia is 4th with another doubtful number. According World Rugby, registered players in Malaysia would have risen to 38,022 from 10,950 in 2017, 10,250 in 2016, 9,350 in 2015. Rugby is surely on the rise in Malaysia but this would be a 347% improvement in 12 months. It's also possible numbers from 2017 and 2016 were wrong.

India (Asia 5th) continue its slow hard progression to 27,681 registered players. So much needs to be done.

Six nations suffering, rest of Europe improving

Neither Ireland, Wales, Italy or Scotland are in the top 10 nations for participation. Ireland is surprisingly affected by a hefty decrease with only 94,067 registered players in 2018 against 103,044 a year before. According World Rugby, Ireland recorded 165,414 in 2015. Wales is on a regular rise with 107,959 registered players from 75,421 in 2015.

Italy (Europe 5th, 77,739) came back to the performance of 2015 after a rise to 87,211 in 2016. Scotland (6th) have a slight loss to 46,050 from 49,265 in 2016. Spain is 7th in Europe with 29,081 registered players down from 34,822 two years ago. Russia is 8th with a slight progression in recent years (28,158). Other European nations don't reach 15,000.

Small African nation rising

Madagascar (Africa 3rd) is still on a big rise and reach a superb number of 48,946 registered players. Let's hope new soccer mania following historic run in AFCON won't hurt this. Unexpected 

Rwanda have a strong solid rise in the last four years. From more than 7,000 in 2015 to more than 18,000 a year later, Victoria Lake state now records 27,304 players. Rwanda has more than 12 millions inhabitants, so still to come. Traditional African nations Zimbabwe and Uganda are in slow progression around 30,000 players.

Canada numbers are steady since years around 28,000 registered players.

Despite a slight improvement, Brazil numbers (18,316) aren't especially impressive considering the population of the country.

Worth the note : Solomon Islands have 12,128 registered players, nearly the same number as Samoa. Colombia doubled its numbers to 8,813 but still far from expectations. The same for Mexico (9,142) Rugby in Korea is dying now with 987 players down from 2,220 in 2015.

World Top 20 in 2018 :

1. South Africa 635,288 registered players
2. England 355,153
3. Australia 271,922
4. France 258,247
5. New Zealand 156,074
6. USA 131,748
7. Fiji 123,900
8. Kenya 122,840
9. Argentina 121,281
10. China 113,686
11. Japan 108,796
12. Wales 107,959
13. Ireland  94,067
14. Italy  77,739
15. Sri Lanka 59,509
16. Madagascar 48,946
17. Scotland 46,050
18. Malaysia 38,022
19. Zimbabwe 32,895
20. Spain 29,081

Complete Las Vegas Invitational Elite schedule

Eight national teams are playing in the Las Vegas Invitational Elite Sevens.
The pools are :
Pool A : Spain, Bermuda, Peru, Chicago Lions
Pool B : Chile, Philippine Pacific, Tiger Rugby, Alaska Golden Bears
Pool C : Guyana, Mexico, Force XV Froggies, Social Vibe Pups
Pool D : Romania, Denver Barbarians, Dog River Howlers, Columbus

Thursday February 9th :
8.00 Chile v Tiger Rugby
8.20 Philippine Pacific v Alaska Golden Bears
8.40 Guyana v Force XV Froggies
9.00 Mexico v Social Vibe Pups
9.20 Spain v Chicago Lions
9.40 Bermuda v Peru
10.00 Romania v Denver Barbarians
10.20 Dog River Howlers v Columbus
10.40 Chile v Alaska Golden Bears
11.00 Philippine Pacific v Tiger Rugby
11.20 Guyana v Social Vibe Pups
11.40 Mexico v Force XV Froggies
12.00 Spain v Peru
12.20 Bermuda v Chicago Lions
12.40 Romania v Columbus
13.00 Dog River Howlers v Denver Barbos

Friday February 10th :
8.00 Chile v Philippine Pacific
8.20 Tiger Rugby v Alaska Golden Bears
8.40 Guyana v Mexico
9.00 Force XV Froggies v Social Vibe Pups
9.20 Spain v Bermuda
9.40 Chicago Lions v Peru
10.00 Romania v Dog River Howlers
10.20 Denver Barbarians v Columbus
11.20 #25 QF Bowl 3rd Pool A vs 4th Pool B
11.40 #26 QF Bowl 3rd Pool D v 4th PoolC
12.00 #27 QF Bowl 3rd Pool C v 4th Pool D
12.20 #28 QF Bowl 3rd Pool B v 4th Pool A
12.40 #29 Cup QF 1st Pool A v 2nd Pool B
1.00pm #30 Cup QF 1st Pool D v 2nd Pool C
1.20 #31 Cup QF 1st Pool C v 2nd Pool D
1.40 #32 Cup QF 1st Pool B vs 2nd Pool A
2.00 #33 SF Shield Loser #25 v Loser #26
2.20 #34 SF Shield Loser #27 v Loser #28
2.40 #35 SF Bowl Winner #25 v Winner #26
3.00 #36 SF Bowl Winner #27 v Winner #28
3.20 #37 SF Plate Loser #29 v Loser #30
3.40 #38 SF Plate Loser #31 v Loser #32

Rugby now first show in Paris

History happened few weeks ago in Paris. When Racing Metro hosted Toulouse in front of 74,000 spectators on March 23, the Racingmen not only beat Toulouse by the biggest margin of the season, but allow Rugby to officialy became the first sport in Paris metropolitan area. With a combined attendance of 34,000, Stade Français Paris et Racing Metro surpass the average attendance of football club Paris Saint-Germain. Racing-Metro was already in Top 14 last season but didn't host any games in the Stade de France. Reading these figures, it's easy to undestand why both rugby clubs from Paris are building two new stadiums, Stade Français'one is an exclusive rugby stadium with a 20,000 seats capacity, Racing-Metro's one is a multi-purpose arena of 32,000 seats in rugby use. And both clubs want to sold out the stadium for every games !
Paris is knowing a real transition. Rugby demonstrates how to go to the stadium with his children without hearing constant insults you can hear in a football stadium, escpecially in Paris. Aware of rugby popular rising in the city and after the death of a fan nearby the stadium in hooligans fight, Paris Saint Germain decided to clean his stadium. But after several months tryng to catch women and children that went to rugby, they failed to attract a new public. The 47,000 seats Parc des Princes is half empty, attendance rate is 59%...
This figure is in constant fall since three years. Football won't never take the lead again. Football reputation has never been so low in France. Capital figures are just the reflect of a change in sport show in France. Toulouse figures was already in favor of rugby, Paris figures show how rugby growing capacity is great in France. It's just the beginning of something rugby never know before, a NFLization.

Is Martin Heredia the next Diego Dominguez ?

Spain finally found a fly-half who came from nowhere to lead the Leones. He's born in Argentina, he improved lately and chose to play for an emerging nation. Is that remember you someone else ? Yes, you find him ? Diego Dominguez, Italian legend.

Heredia was discovered in 2010 by former Spain coach, Ged Glynn. It seems really incredible that a player like Heredia didn't attract scouts from France and England. He's a very skilled player, big man (1,84m, 90kg), versatile back. Each time he had the opportunity to start at fly-half, he was efficient. He's a productive defender, maybe the best among all the Spanish. Martin Heredia had a professional experience of several months in the inaugural SuperIberica in 2009, but, since 2010, he's playing in a regional amateur club, Costa del Sol. Martin Heredia is a regular member of the Spain Sevens national team. He played in the Hong Kong Sevens. Once again, he proved all his talent. http://www.youtube.com/irb#p/u/2/GZjw-N4zM0g Well, Martin Heredia really is the number 6 on the first try...

As Diego Dominguez changed the history of Italian rugby, Heredia have the power the capacity to carry Spain to another level. A level where Spain belong. Like in Italy, Spanish rugby has always been affected by French rugby. Recent matches organized by French clubs in San Sebastien and Barcelona focused the attention on rugby in Spain. In 2009, Spanish TV star commentator Michael Robinson even convinced Canal Plus to launch the first professional competition of rugby in Spain, SuperIbérica de Rugby. The 2010 edition of the 3 months competition was canceled, the 2011 edition could start in late April. This could be another opportunity for Martin Heredia to show all his abilities...

Sevens World Series = ATP World Tour

It's time for Sevens to become like tennis and launch a true World Series on a weekly basis.
It's time for Sevens to attract big crowds all around the world.
It's time for Sevens to reveal and publicize tournaments Prize Money.

Since its olympic admission, rugby sevens becomes in only several months a successful and profitable sporting show. Sevens had a huge success in most of the multiport events of the last years. Most notable one was during the Asian Games in Guangzhou in November 2010 where a total of 60,000 spectators attended to the stadium during two days to see China men's team finish fourth ! At least, China women's team finish second. In July of 2009, Sevens attract more than 70,000 in 2 days in Kaohsiung (Taiwan) for the World Games. Rising Asia seems really interested in Sevens. Thousand will come in Hong Kong in March, but also in Adelaïde, Edinburg and London in 2011. Sevens became a one-time event that must be seen when it's coming to your town. Sevens manage to become what tennis did in the 70s, a worldwide entertaining sport.

Now, the IRB shouldn't wait too much to organize a global World Series with different levels of points given. The 8-event current world series is just a small start of what it will be. In the near future, we could see a structured schedule from october to july with 2 or 3 rest periods. Based on the current sevens tournament in the world, it's easy to imagine several tiers of tournaments. A 30-tournaments World Series could contain new events in Moscow (next World Cup host), Rio (next Olympic tournament host) but also some tournaments in the US where Sevens definitely broke through this year. Tokyo, Ghangzhou, Shanghaï, Nairobi, Auckland, Sydney, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hannover, Mar del Plata, Taiwan, Madrid are some of the cities where you can bring Sevens without fear.

A very soon MLR ?

The IRB tried to do it for years, it seems Americans by themselves will do it in several months. The most waiting professional league of rugby in the United States is nearer and nearer. In a recent tweet exchange, USA Rugby CEO Nigel Melville answer me : "@rugbyglobal @mcuban yes, I have interest from a group of investors, its the next step for us...". You should ask you what Mark Cuban does in it. Simple, "@mcuban @NigelMelville Do you think it's time to launch a small pro league of #rugby in soccer-specific stadiums ? Is #NBC interested ?" was my original tweet. Maybe you ignore this, but Mark Cuban is a former rugby player. He already said in several interviews how he enjoyed the game, so his name frequently appears when you talk about possible investors in Pro Rugby. But Mark Cuban is not the only influent man who played rugby during his youth. That's the advantage of the game "for barbarians played by gentlemen". Two former US president, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush or Tony O'Reilly, former CEO of Heinz played rugby at different level. Money turns around US rugby since a long time, the problem was rugby unable to catch it.
What's new now ? Three words : Major League Soccer or specifically Soccer Specific Stadiums. The MLS is making its financial model by building human size cheaper stadiums. But now these stadiums are built, the question of their commercial success appears. They need events, they need to attract spectators. So what sport better matches association football pitch ? Rugby football ! Same size, same grass surface, same origin. Stadiums in Europe did the conversion every nearly week. USA Rugby quickly understand this and organized rugby events in The Home Deport Center (LA), Dick's Sporting Goods Park (Denver), Toyota Park (Chicago), Rio Tinto Stadium (Salt Lake), Colombus Crew Stadium, Red Bull Arena (NY) and soon at PPL Park (Philadelphia). All Soccer-specific stadiums but Pizza Hut Park in Dallas hosted or will host rugby events. It's now easy to understand why several MLS owners expressed interest in rugby. The most recent one is Robb Heineman, owner of Sporting Kansas City. He simply said he wants a pro rugby franchise in the new KC Soccer Stadium ! . When you see Nigel Melville tweet, you understand discussions are improving fast. When USA Rugby finally catch NBC as a rugby sevens broadcaster, the next step was broadcasting American rugby on a weekly basis, and nothing else than a professional league can allow this, so yes, the Major League Rugby is very near. And the MLS could participate because the MLR financial model will be the same as for soccer. In both sports, US National Team usually goes to the World Cup, is improving, but failed to win the trophy. Both sports massively attract a foreign-born or foreign descent population. Both sports correspond to an alternative way in sports. Both sports have a strong world wide fan base. Most of all, both sports have big financial supports.
The history of the MLS proves the 1994 FIFA World Cup wasn't the key to success. Don Garber bring success to the MLS changing the league strategy in 1999, assuming the foreign origin of soccer. Investors want to do the same with rugby and found common interests with stadium owners.