Rugby union in Guam
| Rugby union in Guam | |
|---|---|
| Country | Guam |
| Governing body | Guam Rugby Football Union |
| National team | Guam |
| Registered players | 527 (124 teenage) |
| Clubs | 4 |
Rugby union in Guam is a minor but growing sport. They are currently ranked 82nd by the IRB.[1] Although Guam is often considered part of Oceania, it tends to take part in Asian rugby tournaments.
Governing body
The governing body is the Guam Rugby Football Union.[1]
History
Rugby came to Guam via three separate streams, firstly, through the visits of British, New Zealand and Australian sailors; secondly, through the American presence, which has been there from the turn of the twentieth century; and thirdly through contact with neighbouring Pacific islands, where the game is popular. Guam has also had a long running, but sometimes tempestuous, relationship with Japan. It is not known if the forces of the Japanese occupation in WWII played the game at all there, but certainly, a large number Japanese retirees have also taken an interest in promoting the game.
Modern rugby in Guam, really dates from the 1970s, however.[2]
In 1995, Guam Rugby Club was established, and they undertook tours to Saipan (Marianas), Palau, Pohnpei (Micronesia), and continental Asia.[2]
Guam rugby received another boost in 1999, when the island was chosen to host the South Pacific Games (SPG); rugby sevens had only been approved as an official sport the previous year.[2]
In 2003, a full-time development officer was employed, and in 2004, the game was officially introduced into schools.[2]
The main rugby ground is the Wettengel Football Field.
Guam takes part in the Pacific Asia region of the Asian Five Nations
See also
- Guam national rugby union team
- Guam national rugby union team (sevens)
- Guam women's national rugby union team
- Guam women's national rugby union team (sevens)
- Rugby union in the United States
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 http://www.irb.com/unions/union=11000055/index.html IRB.com Guam page, accessed 28 June 2009
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 http://www.guamrugby.com/Club.htm FROM GRASS ROOTS TO RUGBY WORLD CUP, Guam Rugby Club
External links
- IRB page
- Philippines vs. Guam Rugby Match
- Rugby in Asia Guam page
- Guam Rugby Sevens Team Headed To Hong Kong For 2009 Rugby World Cup
- (French) Archives du Rugby: Guam
