With approximately 35,000 registered players, nearly 500 listed clubs, and stadiums hosting tens of thousands of spectators, Malagasy rugby enjoys well-established popularity.
In Madagascar, the oval ball holds a special place in the sporting landscape. More than just a discipline, it represents a true culture, deeply rooted in the capital’s neighborhoods. Every weekend, young practitioners and club teams take to local pitches. During major events, this enthusiasm reaches a whole new level.
The Makis Stadium in Andohatapenaka becomes the temple of Malagasy rugby, with matches running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. These encounters attract impressive crowds, turning the venue into a true cauldron.
This ability to mobilize the public has not gone unnoticed by continental authorities. Rugby Africa chose Madagascar to host the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup for three consecutive years, in 2023, 2024, and 2025. For several years, the Makis Stadium has thus become one of the showcases for African women’s rugby, demonstrating Madagascar’s capacity to organize international competitions and attract large audiences.
This continental recognition is also supported by a strong presence of the discipline. “The country has about 35,000 registered players, including 1,400 women, as well as nearly 500 clubs registered with the Federation,” says Antsoniandro Randrianorosoa, National Technical Director of Malagasy Rugby. These figures testify to the deep roots of rugby in Madagascar, even if not all practitioners are necessarily registered.
However, this popularity is not yet accompanied by true professionalization. The national championship remains amateur, and few players manage to live exclusively from their sporting activity. Nevertheless, rugby plays a role that extends beyond the field. For some, it serves as a real stepping stone to employment.
Structures such as Cosfa, Uscar, or 3FB offer players the opportunity to integrate into a professional environment and prepare for their future alongside their sporting careers.
Funding remains another major challenge. The Covid-19 pandemic weakened sports sponsorship, leading several companies to reduce their support. Today, Star remains the main partner of Malagasy rugby, while Orange Madagascar is also among the discipline’s supporters.
In its desire to consolidate the future of national rugby, Malagasy Rugby is also focusing on women’s participation. With 1,400 registered female players, its development potential remains significant. “The Malagasy Rugby Federation encourages women’s participation. The goal of Malagasy Rugby is to qualify the Ladies Makis for the 2032 Olympic Games in Rugby Sevens,” the National Technical Director confides.
Malagasy rugby already possesses what many other disciplines seek: an audience, a history, a network of clubs, and a true popular identity. Its main challenge now is to transform these assets into sustainable levers for development.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-23 05:54:19 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/09/rugby-xv-lovale-jongle-entre-popularite.html