 The number of rugby union players in New Zealand is estimated to be 129,000, with 35,721 playing rugby league.Rugby union generally has a broader reach around the world, largely due to the unrestricted spread of the game across commonwealth countries, promulgated by British armed forces, during a time when the armed forces inexplicably banned rugby league in the early 20th century.For example, it is a popular sport in a number of countries such as South Africa and Argentina.