Rugby union is a minor but growing sport in the Republic of the Congo.
Rugby is centred on the national capital, Brazzaville.
The Congo lacks good transport networks and along with its political instability, civil war, and the extreme poverty of the country, it is difficult for it to maintain a proper national league structure.
Like many African countries, the historical connection with France is a mixed blessing.
For a number of years, Congolese rugby players would leave to play there, which deprived rugby in the Congo of any real competition.