On an international level, what is more popular Rugby Union or League?

Question

I know the rules to each of them but I'm wondering which is more popular on a world-wide basis. From what I can gather from similiar Q's it differs region to region but I want to know which is more popular.

Answer 1

of course it is union, no doubt

Answer 2

Union

Answer 3

World-wide rugby wins hands down with 120 countries members of the IRB. On a country by country basis there is probably only a few countries where rugby is the number one sport, the major one being NZ.

Rugby League is the number one sport in New Guinea but is only popular  in NSW, Queensland (not the other states) in Australia and Australia is the most powerful league in the world.  In all of the other countries that play RL it is a minor sport.

Answer 4

union. by a long long way.  Rugby league has 35 registered countries and Rugby union has 95 registered.

Answer 5

Union. Because union is said to have style

Answer 6

Yes - This is correct. Rugby Union is by far the more Internationally recognised sport than Rugby League.

Mind you, I am a League nut. Can't get enough of it.

Although, until the rest of the world begins to understand the game of rugby league, I am positive it will become one of the most dominant sports in the world, although I believe soccer is by far the most overwhelming sport in the world.

Answer 7

union now holds the banner especially since the introduction of professionalism. Only oz holds some popularity 4 league. In other areas it has really dries up. Soccer still outweighs both globally.

Answer 8

union is by far better as it has a wider fan base and has more notable players like dan carter, brian habana and johnny wilkinson

Answer 9

on an international level, union is most prob more popular than league but with the rlwc this year i would say that league is going to start to get a lot more popular.