The Rugby World Cup: good for your lovelife?

Those seeking love this spring may want to brush up on their their drop-kick knowledge and line-out tips: a new EliteSingles survey has revealed that more than half of singles want to date a rugby fan.¹ That means if you’re a fan (or just excited for the Rugby World Cup) it’s about to be a great month for both rugby and romance.

So what is it about rugby that is so alluring? And, if you’re part of the rugby-loving majority, then how can you bag yourself a fellow fan? EliteSingles has the answers!

Are you a rugby fan? Then we’ve got good news

The survey asked 2400 single men and single women from ten different countries² what they thought about dating, love – and rugby. The results were fascinating: 58 per cent of singles declared that they would prefer to date ‘’someone who is really passionate about rugby.’’

This made rugby fans the most sought-after sport nuts, with just 31 per cent of singles surveyed saying that they’d like to date someone who is into a different sport. Of course , whether you like rugby, hurling or something else, the main thing is that you like sport – any sport! Only 12 per cent of singles would date someone who ‘’hates all sports.’’

Rugby enthusiasm is not just for blokes!

The survey also revealed that this rugby enthusiasm was not just a guy thing. In fact, flying in the face of certain dated stereotypes, the results showed that women not only want a piece of the rugby action, they may just be more keen on it than the men! Indeed, 80 per cent of women surveyed indicated that they find rugby fans interesting and sexy, as opposed to 78 per cent of men who think the same.

However, before men start inviting female rugby fans round for a thrillingly romantic morning of Rugby World Cup action, it’s important to note that, while women like rugby fans, they don’t necessarily want to watch the game while on a date. Indeed, while the majority of men (52 per cent) would prefer to watch the RWC ‘’with a date,’’ just 39 per cent of women feel the same. Their preference is to watch ‘’with friends,’’ with 50 per cent of women picking this option – a clear case of tries before guys!

All aboard the hype train: rugby support and the RWC

One reason for this overwhelming rugby interest could be because the 2015 Rugby World Cup is about to kick off – and singles around the country are jumping on the bandwagon. The survey results supported this idea by highlighting an interesting trend (one that that held true for every country involved): the percentage of people who say that they love rugby rises during major international tournaments.

In a normal year, Ireland is among the most rugby-mad countries, with 51 per cent of singles saying they are passionate about the game. This gets boosted to 88 per cent in a RWC year. However, the title has to go to singles from South Africa: not only do they manage 55 per cent support normally, that rises to a whopping 92 per cent once the tournament kicks off!

How to impress a rugby fan

So, singles are attracted to those who like rugby and, thanks to the bandwagon boost, there are more fans about than normal. But how can people make the most of this RWC fever?

The best way to flirt and impress a rugby fan – according to the survey – is to know the rules. In fact, 41 per cent of singles would find themselves swooning over someone who can explain the finer points of an uncontested scrum or call a yellow card before the ref has raised his whistle. If however, you can’t tell your rucks from your mauls, don’t fret – you can still score during the game. Enthusiasm counts: 21 per cent of singles are most attracted to those who cheer loudly, while for 20 per cent all that is required is that someone support the same team.

And finally, no matter which team lifts the trophy on the 31^st October, Connor Murray can be happy in the knowledge that he’s already won one major victory – the survey saw Irish singles voting him the sexiest member of Ireland’s World Cup Squad.

Sick of playing the field? Do you want to meet Irish singles who love rugby as much as you do? Make a winning play for love – try EliteSingles. Just click here to register.