Saudi Arabian rugby is preparing for another landmark moment in its sporting journey as the Kingdom gets set to return to men’s XV Test rugby against Qatar on 15 May 2026.
The fixture represents an important milestone for the Saudi Arabian Rugby Federation and reflects the remarkable growth of rugby across the Kingdom since the federation’s new leadership structure was established in 2023.
While rugby has existed in Saudi Arabia for decades through expatriate communities and domestic clubs, with the national team competing internationally for the first time at the 2014 Asian Games in Korea, the sport has experienced significant acceleration over the past two years through renewed strategic direction, expanded development programmes, and increased investment in participation pathways.
Saudi Arabia previously played a men’s XV international in 2019, and the upcoming fixture against Qatar marks an important revival of XV Test rugby for the Kingdom as the national programme enters a new phase of development and ambition.
Under the leadership of Ali Al Dajani, Saudi Rugby has rapidly evolved its domestic and national structures, placing strong emphasis on grassroots growth, women’s rugby, youth development, and elite performance.
The upcoming Test against Qatar now stands as one of the clearest signs yet of the progress being made.
Since 2023, Saudi Rugby has expanded its domestic rugby calendar significantly through the SARF 15s Series, SARF 7s Series, youth competitions, women’s tournaments, school rugby initiatives, touch rugby programmes, and community participation projects.
The federation has also strengthened its domestic club structure, with clubs including Riyadh Warriors, Riyadh Falcons, Jeddah Rugby, Khobar Rugby, Jubail Rugby, and NEOM Rugby Club helping drive rugby participation across multiple regions.
Saudi Arabia has also increased its profile regionally by hosting major rugby events, including the Arab Rugby Sevens tournaments in Taif, Saudi Arabia, helping position the Kingdom as an emerging rugby destination within West Asia.
On the field, the national programme achieved one of its strongest performances to date at the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy 2025, where Saudi Arabia secured a historic semi-final finish.
Women’s rugby has become one of the federation’s fastest-growing areas since dedicated women’s programmes were launched in late 2023. Participation has continued to increase, with women’s national teams competing at regional events including the Arab Rugby Sevens and Dubai 7s.
At the youth level, Saudi Rugby has introduced structured pathways for boys and girls, with under-18 programmes, development camps, and regional participation helping create a foundation for the next generation of Saudi players.
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The Saudi national XV programme has undergone extensive preparations ahead of the Qatar fixture, with a wider training group progressively refined through multiple national camps and selection activities as the squad was reduced from 40 players to the final travelling group.
Asia Rugby President Qais Al Dhalai said:
“Asia Rugby warmly congratulates the Saudi Arabian Rugby Federation on this important milestone as Saudi Arabia prepares for the return of its national men’s XV programme to the international stage. This occasion reflects the tremendous progress that has been achieved in a short period of time through strong leadership, vision, and commitment to growing the game across the Kingdom. We are particularly encouraged by the development taking place across youth rugby, women’s rugby, and domestic competitions, which are creating strong foundations for the future of the sport in Saudi Arabia. On behalf of Asia Rugby, we wish the Saudi national team and federation every success for this landmark occasion and look forward to witnessing the continued growth of rugby in the Kingdom.”
President Ali Al Dajani said:
“Since our establishment in 2019, our focus has been on building a true rugby ecosystem in the Kingdom. One that encompasses every form of the game, from grassroots and youth to women’s rugby and elite competition. The return of our men’s XV programme to the international stage is a major milestone for the federation, and we see it as the launch of a 15s campaign that will trailblaze the path for everything that follows.”
Head Coach Sami Smara added:
“The players have shown tremendous commitment throughout the preparation period. The level of competition within the squad continues to improve and we are seeing strong growth in discipline, fitness, tactical understanding, and team cohesion. This is another important step in the development of Saudi rugby.”
The upcoming match against Qatar represents far more than a single international fixture. It highlights the rapid rise of rugby in Saudi Arabia and signals the growing ambition of the Kingdom to establish itself as an emerging force within regional rugby.
