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 has had a tumultuous history since then, with many different democratic governments, military coups, and military governments. A Marxist–Leninist state called the People's Republic of Benin existed between 1975 and 1990. In 1991, it was replaced by the current multi-party Republic of Benin. During the colonial period and at independence, the country was known as Dahomey. On 30 November 1975, it was renamed to Benin, after the body of water on which the country lies—the Bight of Benin. This had been named by Europeans after the Benin Empire in present-day Nigeria. The country of Benin has no connection to Benin