Rugby union in Ivory Coast | |
---|---|
Country | Ivory Coast |
Governing body | Fédération Ivoirienne de Rugby |
National team(s) | Ivory Coast |
Nickname(s) | The Elephants (French: Les éléphants) |
First played | 1946 |
Registered players | 5,383[1] |
Clubs | 14[1] |
National competitions | |
Rugby union in Ivory Coast is essentially amateur, with some degree of semi-professionalization in its top-flight league and the national rugby union team.
The sport is popular among school children, but the rugby union playing population in Ivory Coast is still relatively small with only 14 clubs. There are around 5,383 registered players,[1] and the game takes in people from all walks of life.[2] As of 22 June 2014, the men's national side are ranked 47th in the world.[3]