Cape Town - New Zealand Rugby (NZR) says more players laced up their boots in 2015 than ever before, despite recording only a minor increase from last year.
According to the Stuff website, NZR released its rugby registration numbers on Monday, with a record 150 727 people playing the game across the country - up 163 from 2014.
As in 2014, the largest increase in numbers was among female players, up 11 percent from 17 825 to 19 792 this year.
Rugby by the numbers in New Zealand:
• 150 727 players – small increase of 163 from 2014
• 80 978 Small Blacks (5-12 years) - increase of 549 (1 percent) compared to 2014
• 42 072 teenagers (13-20 years) – decrease of 242 (0.5 percent) compared to 2014
• 27 677 players aged 21 and over - decrease of 144 (0.5 percent) compared to 2014
• 19 792 female players – increase of 1 967 (11 percent) compared to 2014• 12 109 coaches – increase of 396 (3 percent) compared to 2014• 1 851 referees – decrease of 33 (2 percent) compared to 2014