New Caledonia Their social organization is traditionally based around clans, which identify as either "land" or "sea" clans, depending on their original location and the occupation of their ancestors. According to the 2009 census, the Kanak constitute 94% of the population in the Loyalty Islands Province, 74% in the North Province and 27% in the South Province. The Kanak tend to be of lower socio-economic status than the Europeans and other settlers. Europeans first settled in New Caledonia when France established a penal colony on the archipelago. Once the prisoners had completed their sentences, they were given land to settle. According to
New Caledonia Rugby Committee medal in 1966 and two gold medals in 1987 and 1995. More recently, the team has played for the FORU Oceania Cup. New Caledonia fields teams in 7's competitions as well as 15's. The national women's 7s team has also competed at the Pacific Games. New Caledonia Rugby Committee The New Caledonia Rugby Committee (French: "Comité de Rugby de Nouvelle Calédonie", —or officially: "Comité Régional de Rugby de Nouvelle Calédonie") is a committee under the umbrella of the French Rugby Federation which is the governing body for rugby union within New Caledonia. It is a full member of the Federation