Comparison of rugby league and rugby union 1 in league. A penalty goal is worth 3 points in union and 2 points in league. Use of a penalty box (or "sin bin") was introduced by rugby league in 1980. Rugby union had been experimenting with the same concept since 1979, although it was not formally sanctioned until 2001. Video referee technology was first used for rugby league in 1996 and for rugby union in 2001. In rugby league the ball may be thrown or knocked out of play deliberately, while in union those are penalty offences. Kicking the ball out of play is legal in both codes.
Rugby union in Niger Rugby union in Niger Rugby union in Niger is a minor but growing sport. The governing body is the Nigerien Rugby Federation (Federation Nigerienne de Rugby), which is affiliated to the Confederation of African Rugby. Niger was formerly a French colony, and the game was first introduced there by French expatriates. In recent years, the game has been played mostly by natives. As with many minor rugby nations, the sport is centred on the national capital, Niamey. Niger rates low the Human Development Index, which means it is extremely poor, and lacks the infrastructure that would improve its rugby standing.