Rugby union in Benin poorest countries in the world. Like many African countries, the historical connection with France is a mixed blessing. For a number of years, Beninois rugby players would leave to play there, which deprived rugby in Benin of any real competition. The Benin national rugby union team has not competed since 2005, when they appeared in the north section of the CAR Castel Beer Trophy, after being defeated by Togo and Mali and drawing with Niger. Rugby union in Benin Rugby union in Benin is a minor but growing sport. The governing body is affiliated to the Confederation of African Rugby,
Benin Bronzes modern period, which is an erroneous assumption considering the Benin Empire was in itself a hub of African civilization before the Portuguese traders visited. Today, it is clear that the bronzes were made in Benin from an indigenous culture. Many of these dramatic sculptures date to the thirteenth century, centuries before contact with Portuguese traders, and a large part of the collection dates to the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. It is believed that two "golden ages" in Benin metal workmanship occurred during the reigns of Esigie ( 1550) and of Eresoyen (1735–50), when their workmanship achieved its highest qualities. While