Egypt, Guatemala, and Lesotho Attain World Rugby Full Member Status

Egypt, Guatemala, and Lesotho have been granted full member status by World Rugby, enhancing their participation in international rugby. This milestone reflects their successful fulfillment of membership criteria and showcases the sport’s growth in emerging nations, particularly among women and youth.

On November 14, World Rugby elevated Egypt, Guatemala, and Lesotho to full member status, a significant milestone for these nations in the global rugby community. This decision reflects their fulfillment of all necessary criteria and underscores World Rugby’s commitment to expanding the sport in emerging regions. With this recognition, each country can enhance its rugby presence and engage in a broader range of international competitions. Egypt, which has been an associate member since 2022, has successfully hosted regional rugby sevens events and is committed to increasing inclusivity within the sport. The Egyptian Rugby Football Union is dedicated to establishing programs for women and youth, aiming to cultivate a new generation of players. Lesotho, surrounded by South Africa, has been involved in regional rugby competitions and is focused on developing youth rugby through its “Get into Rugby” program implemented in over 200 schools. Being named a full member allows for greater governmental support and infrastructure development, encouraging both male and female participation in the sport. Guatemala, an associate member since 2016, boasts a commendable 29 men’s and women’s teams. Their full membership will facilitate their participation in Sudamerica Rugby tournaments and strengthen their rugby programs. World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson commended the progress made by these nations, emphasizing the growth of women’s rugby and enhanced fan engagement globally. This expansion is pivotal as rugby seeks to evolve and remain accessible to players of all ages and genders across the world. The elevation to full membership represents not only an enhancement of international standing for these nations’ rugby unions but also an opportunity to inspire potential athletes and advocate for the sport in their respective regions.

The elevation of Egypt, Guatemala, and Lesotho to full member status by World Rugby reflects a broader trend of growing participation in rugby, particularly in emerging nations. With a member base now totaling 133 across six regions, World Rugby is focused on inclusivity, particularly boosting women’s participation. By fulfilling membership criteria, these nations can participate in more international competitions, thus enhancing their global engagement. The recognition also facilitates access to resources and funding needed for rugby’s development at grassroots levels.

In conclusion, the full member status achieved by Egypt, Guatemala, and Lesotho marks an important development for rugby’s global landscape. This recognition allows these countries to participate more actively in international competitions, reflects their commitment to growing the sport domestically, particularly among women and youth, and showcases the potential for rugby to flourish in regions previously less engaged in the sport.

Original Source: www.world.rugby