Rugby union in the Gambia however, Gambia has been relatively stable. The country is surrounded on three sides by Senegal. Rugby union in Senegal is relatively popular. However, the Gambia has long been a popular tourist destination with Europeans, so it is possible that this may influence the development of the game in future. Rugby union in the Gambia Rugby union in the Gambia is a minor but growing sport. Rugby union was introduced into the Gambia by the British, who ruled the country for a number of years. However, it was mainly played by the white population, who made little attempt to spread it
The Gambia Department of State, the "Times Comprehensive Atlas of the World" and the Permanent Committee on Geographical Names for British Official Use, the Gambia is one of only two countries whose self-standing short name for official use should begin with the word "The" (the other one being The Bahamas). Upon independence in 1965, the country used the name "The Gambia". Following the proclamation of a republic in 1970, the long-form name of the country became "Republic of The Gambia". The administration of Yahya Jammeh changed the long-form name to "Islamic Republic of The Gambia" in December 2015. On 29 January 2017