The game is increasing in it popularity across the world. Some countries where the game has a high level of popularity are:
England,
Ireland
Italy
Romenia
Georgia
France
Wales
Some polynesian countries
Madagascar
Quenia
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As a Rugby player in America, it seems as if Rugby is becoming much more popular here. It is by no means a major sport, but it has a following similar to what soccer had in the early 90's. Many people begin to notice or play it at the Collegiate level, and its becoming a popular sport amongst colleges and more recently, some high schools. USA Rugby has been stepping up its exposure, and I've noticed from friends that they are starting to at least notice and recognize that it exists. In major cities we have entire rugby unions that compete at Youth, Collegiate, Men's and Women's levels. As more games are played in the States against real opponents, and our national team improves, the popularity of Rugby should see a spike as well.
Supposedly, third? most watched after soccer (of course), and the Olympics. But I'm not positive.
Rugby is the 2nd most popular sport in the world statistically in support and participation followed by cricket and then tennis.
The Rugby World Cup is the 3rd largest sporting event in the world behind the Olympics and Soccer World Cup.
Although it's not very popular comparing with rugby union, it's popular enough to have professional leagues through the world like in England and in Australia( where it's more popular than the rugby union)
Its not, Rugby League and Union is very small, because NFL, NBA, MLB AND NHL took over US.
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The game has accelerated in the past 5 years, indeed since the last World Cup the Union code has take the US by storm. Because they are in the pool section of the 2011 RWC it shows that far from being a novice team they are truley world clss and are very capable in upsetting many big name. To date they have increase their TV share across the nation with college rugby taking on the likes of American Football, Basebsall and basket ball.
Whilst these are still the popular sports as in many countries Rugby is creeping upi - really quickly which is why some US player are now in regional teams in Europe. So far these are the National, Super league , Division 1 and College
National Sides
Mens first team - Eagles
Mens selcet 15
mens Eagles 7's
Womens eagles
Womens 7's
Mens All American
Womens All American
Mens Under 20's
Womens Under 20's
Boys High School All American
College Clubs-
Northern California
Utah
Pacific Northwest
Mid-Atlantic
West
New York State
Met New York
South
Midwest
Super league
SF Golden Gate
Denver Barbarians
Chicago Griffins
Old Puget Sound Beach
Chicago Lions
OMBAC
Dallas Harlequins
New York Athletic Club
Life University
Boston
Old Blue New York
Potomac Athletic Club
Charlotte
Boston Irish Wolfhounds
Division 1
Chicago Griffins RFC
Chicago Lions RFC
Dallas Harlequins RFC
Denver Barbarians RFC
Old Puget Sound Beach
San Francisco Golden Gate RFC
Utah Warriors Rugby
Rugby League is very popular in Australia. It gained more TV Viewers than the entire Cricket World Cup.