Seven.
Its actually impossible to provide an accurate figure. This is due to the fact that there are so many unaffiliated union and league teams around the world. These include school teams local community teams, workplace teams without including those from junior levels, gender related etc.
In the Rugby World Cup, each team is allowed to have 31 players in their squad. However, only 23 players can be selected to participate in each match, including 15 starting players and 8 substitutes. This allows teams to have a mix of starters and reserves to manage injuries and player performance throughout the tournament.
The rules for team sizes in both codes are the same world wide as the governing bodies enforce strict regulation to meet conformity In union its 15 players plus substitutes league its 13 plus substitutes on each side
There wasn't a 2009 Rugby World Cup
rugby
The best rugby player in the world of 2012 is.... Dylan Hartley
Generally their is 2 types of rugby. Rugby Union (15 Players) and Rugby League (13 players). The rules differ but they remain very similar sports. Rugby Uniuon is also played on a sevens basis accross the world.
England have the most registered players with 2.5 million
Branny g
Rugby Union players. They are better publicised on the world stage. They gain more money from sponsorship deals. Rugby Union is a more popular sport so people are more willing to pay to see them.
The country have 23 players at a world cup.Eleven on the field rest are substitutes.
World-wide rugby is more popular in terms of number of players and fan bases.