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 Latvia competition. The Baltic is not a major rugby playing area at the time of writing, but several neighbouring countries such as Poland, Russia and Sweden can boast thousands of players. The game is also growing fairly fast in Ukraine . Entry into the European Union will also make it easier for western European sides to tour the country. Snow rugby is also played in Latvia during the winter when conditions make standard play impossible. Rugby union in Latvia Rugby union in Latvia is a minor but growing sport. During the pre-independence period, Latvia was not a centre for the game