Rugby union in Venezuela is a team sport that is played as an amateur sport.[1]
| Rugby union in Venezuela | |
|---|---|
 Rugby match at Estadio Olímpico in Caracas | |
| Country | Venezuela |
| Governing body | Venezuelan Rugby Federation |
| National team(s) | Venezuela |
| First played | 1950s |
Club competitions | |
International competitions | |
History
editThe history of rugby in Venezuela goes back to the 1950s, when a group of English oil workers played the first match in Zulia State.[2][3] Martell and Renault played the first organized match on 14 July 1974.
In 1978, the first rugby club formed exclusively with native players was founded at Simón Bolívar University: the Club de Rugby de la Universidad Simón Bolívar (CRUSB).[3] In the course of time, more rugby teams were created in Caracas and other Venezuelan cities.[3]
Governing body
editThe governing body is the Venezuelan Rugby Federation, which was founded in 1992. It is affiliated to World Rugby and Sudamérica Rugby.
National competitions
editThe most important tournament is the Campeonato Nacional de Clubes (National Championship of Clubs) contested by Venezuelan men's clubs.[4] Another notable tournament is the Torneo Internacional de Rugby Los Andes (Los Andes Rugby International Tournament) played at Mérida.[4] Santa Teresa seven-a-side, the Circuito Nacional de Sevens (National Sevens Series) and the Seven de las Flores (Sevens of Flowers) are important club competitions in rugby sevens.[4]
The matches of these competitions are played at weekends.
Popularity
editIn Venezuela, rugby is not as popular as sports such as baseball, football or basketball. The coverage of rugby competitions by Venezuelan mass media is sporadic.[1]
Years ago, rugby players had to fund themselves in the terms of uniforms, equipment, travel costs, etc. Recently, some financial support has come from the Venezuelan Ministry of Sport and private companies which offer sponsorship to the clubs.[1]
Rugby in Venezuela is an amateur sport and rugby players receive no remuneration.[1]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d "Rugby: un deporte que despierta pasiones en Venezuela" (in Spanish). Diario Panorama. 6 November 2015. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
- ^ "El rugby en Venezuela" (in Spanish). diasderugby.com.ar. Archived from the original on 3 April 2010. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
- ^ a b c "Venezuela ascendió cinco puestos" (in Spanish). Últimas Noticias. 30 August 2011. Archived from the original on 11 March 2016. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
- ^ a b c "La Federación" (in Spanish). Venezuelan Rugby Federation. Retrieved 16 March 2016.