Rugby union in Guam

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.

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 1999 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.

National team

Guam takes part in the Pacific Asia region of the Asian Five Nations.

See also

• Guam national rugby union team
• Guam national rugby sevens team
• Guam women's national rugby union team
• Guam women's national rugby sevens team
• Rugby union in the United States

References

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
• (in French) Archives du Rugby: Guam

This page was last edited on 28 October 2022, at 19:35