Rugby union in China

Rugby union in China is a growing sport. However, it is still not overly popular. China became affiliated to the International Rugby Board in 1997 and is currently ranked 40th in the world, ahead of Madagascar and just behind Sweden. The national team failed to qualify for the 1999 Rugby World Cup and the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

History

Early rugby union in China was often played by expatriates of various rugby playing nations, and colonials. For example, there was a rugby club in Shanghai, where many of these could be found, and there was also a significant presence in Hong Kong, due to the strong connections with the British Commonwealth. The Shanghai club folded in 1952, and the surplus funds were presented to the English RFU for a "Royal Retiring Room", at Twickenham near London.

For a period, rugby was banned in the PRC, with the national Sports Council stating that "the "meeting of sullied bodies in physical contact" cannot be approved."Cotton, Fran (Ed.) (1984) "The Book of Rugby Disasters & Bizarre Records". Compiled by Chris Rhys. London. Century Publishing. ISBN 0-7126-0911-3]

Rugby re-emerged in China in 1990, with a club forming at the China Agricultural University. Today, one segment of Chinese society where rugby is particularly popular is the military. Rugby is an official sport of the People's Liberation Army, with the PLA Sports Institute participating in the highly-competitive Hong Kong leagues. Notable Chinese rugby players include Zhang Zhiqiang ("Johnny Zhang"), who had a stint with the famous Leicester Tigers club in England, and promising young speedster Li Yang, who boasts a time of 10.6 seconds in the 100-metre sprint.

Hong Kong and Macau

Rugby union has an uninterrupted history in Hong Kong, where arguably the most successful sevens tournament is held, the national team of Hong Kong also participates in the Asian Five Nations. Rugby union has a much smaller presence in Macau.

References

* [http://www.irb.com/unions/union=11000083/index.html China on IRB]

ee also

* Rugby union in Hong Kong
* Rugby union in Macau
* Rugby union in Taiwan