Manawatu sees increase in playing numbers

Rugby is a popular sport in Manawatu with a 10 per cent surge in playing numbers in the past year, according to the latest statistics.

The Manawatu Rugby Union registered player numbers have increased from 4227 in 2009 to 4664 this year. Referee and coach numbers are up slightly while there has been a 33 per cent increase in the number of registered administrators.

MRU chief executive John Knowles said the sport in the region was on a high at present at both the professional and amateur levels.

"It's great to see more people playing the game and it's exciting considering we are heading into next year's Rugby World Cup," he says.

Mr Knowles said it was pleasing to see such an increase at the teenage level where the New Zealand Rugby Union has emphasised as an area where attention was needed throughout the country.

The playing numbers are breakdown as follows: