In a landmark decision for rugby fans in the country, Qatar yesterday became part of the World Rugby (WR) as an Associate Member. Qatar was joined by Jordan and Turkey to become part of the international rugby family that now has swelled to 127 member nations. Qatar has been making rapid strides in events held across Asia since the country’s first rugby club was established in 1974. Qatar’s maiden international representation took place in 2006.
World Rugby unanimously approved the Qatar Rugby Federation’s (QRF) application, which was submitted a while ago to obtain its membership after it had fulfilled all the requirements and conditions set by the game’s ruling body.
The members of the world body reviewed the Qatari file in detail and assessed the soaring popularity of the sport in Qatar. QRF President Yousef Jaham Al Kuwari said: “On behalf of the Qatar Rugby Federation and all rugby players and fans in the country, we are pleased and honoured to become an associate member of World Rugby.
With 40 years of rugby in Qatar, this recognition will support the game’s growth in our country and hopefully improve our competitiveness on the international stage.”
In a separate statement, World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “As part of our continuing commitment to grow and diversify the global game we are delighted to welcome Qatar, Jordan and Turkey as associate members of World Rugby, three unions who have an exciting rugby appetite and potential.”
He added: “Being part of the rugby family will accelerate rugby’s growth in these countries by providing them with continuous support and a solid framework to develop the three unions in a sustainable and efficient way.”
Yesterday’s decision was announced after WR’s supreme decision-making body approved t h e r e c o m m e n d a t i o n of the Executive and Regional Committees to accept the three unions as associate members, after each demonstrated the necessary governance criteria.
Turkey has a growing rugby following with the latest Nielsen fan-sizing research demonstrating more than nine million people are either interested or very interested in the sport. Jordan has a thriving women’s game and the men’s team made their international 15s debut in 2010. Jordan also holds the record for the lowest-ever rugby match, played at 400 metres below sea level
