Comparison of rugby league and rugby union Wales, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory. The same perceived class barrier as exists between the two games in England also occurs in these states, fostered by rugby union's prominence and support at private schools. In New Zealand, rugby league is still considered to be a lower class game by many, or a game for "westies" referring to lower class western suburbs of Auckland and more recently the poorer southern Auckland where the game is popular. It is also popular on the West Coast of New Zealand. In France, rugby union is widely played and has a strong tradition in
Rugby union in the Philippines Rugby union in the Philippines Rugby union in the Philippines is a minor but growing sport. The Philippine Rugby Football Union governs operations, tournaments, and development efforts of the sport in the Philippines and was founded in 1999. Like many other Asian countries, early rugby in the Philippines was dominated by expatriates, who tended not to spread the game to the local population. Expatriates were of British, Australian, New Zealand, and to a lesser extent American of origin. The game has since spread to the local population, the roots of which are in international schools, maritime institutions, and charitable foundations.