Why are France and Italy major teams in world rugby even though ........?

Question

they have no connection to Britain, unlike the other major teams?

Answer 1

Creolisation of British sport into the imperial commonwealth would be normal in British occupied countries.... but with modern technology and transport improvements over the last few centruies sport is spreading without the use of the british army taking it with them on occupation... if your theory was accurate you would see an excellent rugby team in India and the west indies.... But there isn't!

For another working example take Cricket... great cricket teams in Oz, India, west indies, NZ, and even canada in some ways... all occupied as a part of the commonwealth!!

Good spot though.....

Good Luck!

Answer 2

I wouldn't rate Italy as a major team in world rugby though they are improving and their continuing involvement in the six nations championship can only help them to become stronger. Argentina, on the other hand, is a major team without a connection to britain. As to why rugby isn't more popular in other European countries remains a mystery to me because it's definately the second most skillful game to be played on a sporting field, after hurling.

Answer 3

what the h**l you chatting about?

even with the extra info you put on there it still makes no sense at all

Answer 4

Bacause they are good at it!!!

There is a very old link between Britains colonization and the sports played in those countries.  This is slowly dissapearing.

Other world powers in Rugby include, Canada, USA, Japan, Somoa, Fiji and the very good Argentina.

Fiji seem to always win the world sevens crown.  

The longer teams play the sports the better they will eventually become.

You must also look at the respective countries schooling systems.  Rugby is not a big game in India/Pakistan/West Indies, they prefer Hockey or Cricket.  Whereas in the West Indies the old love for Cricket is dying due to the NBA, with young West indians being lured to basketball instead of the more traditional cricket.  All the major world powers play rugby in their schools.

Sorry missed the rest of question.  Spain, Holland, Germany have reasonable rugby sides.  Just that they prefer the lure of football, hockey etc, think it must be down to the grass roots being stronger in the top rugby playing nations.

Answer 5

Up to now all the answers are incorrect.

Italy were allowed into what was then the 5 Nations, because the RFU wanted to encourage other countries to grow. Italy have taken a time to settle into the championship but are now capable of springing a surprise.

Other European countries do play the game and they are developing all the time. Roumania, Spain, Germany and others are beginning to grow slowly. The game is spreading worldwide, with teams from USA, Canada, South America and others.

The game is also played by women to international standards.

Answer 6

who cares about them.......COME ON IRELAND (even though we lost to france)

STUPID QUESTION!!!!!

Answer 7

Your argument is seriously flawed. Rugby has been played in mainland Europe for a century. France were first admitted to the Home Championship in the 1920s (to form the Five Nations). When Italy entered to form the six Nations, it was a close-run with Romania.

Argentina have long been the dominant rugby nation of South America - hardly a positive connection with Britian!

Likewise, Japan is the dominant Asian side.

And, if your British connection had any remaining credibility, why is Rugby not played in India, Pakistan, Egypt, Kenya, the West Indies, etc., etc.

I am afraid your question is a typical example of 2 + 2 = 5

Answer 8

because they learnt the game ?

Answer 9

I would speculate that the British public-school educated upper class and upper middle class played the game on holiday in southern France and Italy, and got the locals to join in. Germany hasn't appealed to them in the same way as a holiday destination.

Answer 10

Why are Brazil so good at soccer

Answer 11

what the h**l are you talking about. senseless question