Rugby is the second most popular sport in the world; it is played in 117 countries by 2.5 million registered players. In 2010, rugby was the third fastest growing team sport in the US according to a major study on sports participation conducted by the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association. A report by the Centre for the International Business of Sport and commissioned by MasterCard Worldwide says that in the US alone, participation in rugby has grown 350% since 2004. For the first time since 1924, Rugby will be played in the Olympics beginning in 2016.

While it is new to many North Americans, rugby has a long tradition of competitive excellence, fair play and sporting spirit that transcends the game itself. Rugby matches have attracted fans to stadiums all over the world since the late 19th century. Like soccer, a two-month-long rugby world cup is held every four years. Today millions around the world embrace the sport of rugby, and the overall socio-economic characteristics of rugby enthusiasts are distinct--they are highly educated and in the highest income bracket. In the international rugby community, the US is seen as a vast untapped market for the sport.

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