Heading the governing body of rugby in Asia, a region significant in terms of numbers as well as the vastness of potential and challenges it poses, the President of Asia Rugby, Qais Al-Dhalai, has injected serious energy and a visionary dynamic into the sport’s development on the continent. He now aims to scale up the impact by representing the needs and aspirations of the region’s rugby communities on the biggest platform globally, at the World Rugby Executive Board.
Qais’ candidacy for the World Rugby Executive Board is animated by a deep passion for the sport, a vision to elevate rugby’s profile globally. His candidacy is anchored on three key pillars he believes will be of benefit not merely to Asia but also rugby’s global growth: first, proactively and aggressively focusing on *visibility*, second, *expansion*, and lastly *modernisation* — all reflecting a vision focused on steering the sport toward a more inclusive and financially sustainable future.
Increasing Visibility and Revenue for Regional Associations
A key component of Qais’ vision is enhancing the visibility of regional rugby associations, particularly non-high-performance unions. Under his leadership of Asia Rugby, the region has experienced unprecedented growth. From grassroots initiatives to high-quality competitions, the Asia Rugby President has consistently championed strategies that bring rugby into the spotlight and showcase the passion and talent emerging from Asia.
By advocating for stronger representation at World Rugby, he aims to ensure that regions with less visibility receive the support and resources necessary to thrive. His track record in securing sponsorship deals and driving revenue growth will be pivotal as he seeks to implement similar strategies globally. His candidacy emphasises creating opportunities for all nations, especially those previously untapped by major sponsorships or media coverage.
Expanding the Game in Untapped Markets
Qais’ tenure has seen an exponential rise in the sport in Asia, particularly in countries where rugby was once considered, at best, a niche sport. He believes that this expansion can serve as a blueprint for the world. His goal is to introduce rugby to new markets, bringing the game to untapped countries and communities that have the potential to embrace rugby’s core values of teamwork, respect, and camaraderie.
With his extensive experience in development and engagement across diverse cultures, Qais is confident that rugby’s growth at the global level can be significantly boosted through innovative outreach programs and stronger relationships between unions. He envisions rugby becoming a truly global sport, with new audiences and players being nurtured in every corner of the world.
UAE Rugby and Women’s Rugby Development
At the union or country level, his involvement with the UAE Rugby Federation, Qais has overseen significant growth at all levels of the game. Under his guidance, UAE rugby has expanded its reach, incorporating schools and innovative grassroots programmes to develop the sport among the local Emirati population. This has not only fostered a new generation of rugby players but has also helped establish rugby as a sport with deep community roots.
His commitment to women’s rugby has been especially impactful; Qais has championed the growth of the women’s game, launching initiatives to encourage more female participation in all aspects reflecting remarkable progress towards his vision of making rugby accessible and inclusive for all.
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Modernising World Rugby’s Global Image
In a rapidly evolving world, Qais’ third pillar revolves around the modernisation of rugby’s governance, branding, and public perception. He believes that rugby, as a sport, must keep pace with modern trends in technology, fan engagement, and corporate social responsibility. His plan is to strengthen World Rugby’s image as an inclusive and forward-thinking global organization.
The Asia Rugby President has a reputation for embracing innovation, having successfully launched initiatives that merge rugby’s traditional values with modern needs. His leadership has been built on painstaking focus on dynamic planning and project management, prudent financial management, optimising strategic investment, and the promotion of gender equity —all areas he hopes to contribute to at the global level.
Conclusion: A Leader Poised for Global Change
Qais Al-Dhalai’s candidacy for the World Rugby Executive Board is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the game of rugby. His experience in both sports governance and business leadership, combined with his forward-thinking manifesto, position him as a transformative figure that can drive rugby into its next era of global expansion. Asia Rugby, under his leadership, has flourished—and with Al-Dhalai well poised to create a meaningful impact at the highest forum on the global stage, the future of rugby looks brighter than ever.
