stay in the qualification process for the 2015 Rugby World Cup to be held in the United Kingdom. In Madagascar, rugby is a very popular sport among women. It is estimated that 60% of players in the country are women. The girls from Sapphire Coast and their captain Marcelia, backed by the French NGO Terres en Mêlées are emerging as models for the development of women rugby in poor areas outside the capital city. They actually won twice the national girls championship. Rugby is thus becoming a real tool to fight against poverty and develop gender equality in the country. Marcelia has been nominated one of the five most influential women of the country in 2019 by promoting development through rugby in Madagascar and in France. See also Madagascar national rugby union team Madagascar national rugby sevens team Madagascar women's national rugby sevens team Africa Cup Confederation of African Rugby External links Indian Ocean Rugby; Madagascar BBC News WR Madagascar page Archives du Rugby: Madagascar References Sport in Madagascar