OFFICIAL RECOGNITION FOR JORDAN RUGBY
Nov 21, 2016
Jordan has been made a full member of the Asian Rugby Federation, it was confirmed at its annual meeting held on the Pacific Island of Guam.
It is a tremendous achievement for the sport which is still in its relative infancy here but has developed quickly to embrace inclusion as well as forming an official national league.
HRH Prince Merad bin Raad, President of Jordan Rugby, said: “On behalf of my colleagues in Jordan Rugby I am honored to dedicate this achievement to HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein, Jordan Olympic Committee President, for all the support we receive from them during the past years. This has led to our success in improving the sport of Rugby in Jordan and to achieving full membership in the Asian Federation.
“We are now entering a new stage, where this membership will give us the determination to spread the sport to the whole Kingdom through programmes that aim to improve grassroots development.
“We have exciting plans for holding more regional championships which will help us to reach our goals. We would also like to thank our partners and sponsors, Al Mahmoudeyah Motors, for their generous support though the years.”
Abdul Aziz Abu Khalaf, Operations Manager for Jordan Rugby, presented the country’s progress at the meeting.
“This is a big achievement that wasn’t easy and has taken a lot of hard work to reach,” he said.
“We have developed the sport by expanding the opportunities at grassroots for youth and women. Rugby is also now in schools as part of the ‘Get in to Rugby’ programme.”
Jordan will now bid to become a member of the International Rugby Board but more work will need to be done across all levels.
