Rugby union in the Marshall Islands Rugby union in the Marshall Islands Rugby union in the Marshall Islands is a minor but growing sport. Rugby was introduced to the islands at some point in the twentieth century. Like many other Pacific nations, rugby is often not formally organised. Due to their small numbers, and scattered island population, they have often preferred rugby sevens to the XV game. However, rugby is less popular in the Marshall Islands, than some of the other Pacific islands. Rugby Sevens has been a sport in the South Pacific Games since the late 1990s. The Marshall Islands' main problems are related to
History of the Marshall Islands islands in 1944, destroying or isolating the Japanese garrisons. In just one month in 1944, Americans captured Kwajalein Atoll, Majuro and Enewetak, and, in the next two months, the rest of the Marshall Islands, except for Wotje, Mili, Maloelap and Jaluit. The battle in the Marshall Islands caused irreparable damage, especially on Japanese bases. During the American bombing, the islands' population suffered from lack of food and various injuries. Of the 5100-man Japanese garrison (2600 Imperial Japanese Navy and 2500 Imperial Japanese Army) on the Mili Atoll only half survived to the end of the war. Following capture and occupation