The Iraqi women’s rugby 7s team is embarking on a groundbreaking journey for a historic training camp in neighbouring Iran. Their destination is Mashhad, where they will engage in a 10-day tour packed with invaluable experiences. Under the guidance of Iranian coaches, the team will get training and also have a chance to play against local teams.
This tour signifies a milestone in the ongoing cooperation between the Iran Rugby Federation and Iraq Rugby Federation. In 2021, both federations cemented their commitment to strengthening rugby ties by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by the two federations’ presidents.
Iran boasts a proud rugby heritage, exemplified by the Iran Women’s team clinching bronze at the Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy in Qatar in 2023. With an established presence in sevens rugby and a robust domestic structure, Iranian rugby sets an example for growth and development in the region. The Iraqi women’s team stands to benefit immensely from this collaborative tour, gaining insights and inspiration from their Iranian counterparts.
Iraq’s journey in women’s rugby began in 2021 with their debut at the West Asia Sevens Trophy. Building on this foundation, they are gearing up to compete in the Sevens Trophy in Nepal in coming October.
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As the Iraqi women’s team travels to Iran, the journey symbolizes the power of sports diplomacy and the potential for the transformative power of rugby. This historic training camp in Iran represents not only an opportunity to upscale the skill but also a testament to the shared values that have seen significant growth in women’s rugby in the region.
Dr Fareeq Hazzaa President of the Iraq Rugby Federation expressed his appreciation: “ We deeply appreciate the support from Iran Rugby Federation. We are fully dedicated to the development of our Women’s program, as it is a crucial part of our strategic plan. With a dedicated women’s committee in place, we eagerly anticipate our women’s success both domestically and on the international stage “
Iran Rugby Federation’s President Mir Mehdi Hosseini “The establishment of two camps in Iran for women and men demonstrates our commitment to developing strong relations with Iraq, our friend. We are eager to share our experiences and have a long-term plan for the development of rugby in both countries and the region”
