Iraq Rugby Reaches Historic Milestone with World Rugby Associate Membership and Asia Rugby Full Membership

Asia Rugby warmly congratulates the Iraq Rugby Federation on its admission as an Associate Member of World Rugby and its elevation to Full Member status within Asia Rugby following the approval of Iraq’s application by the World Rugby Council at its meeting in Dublin on 17 June 2026. In accordance with Asia Rugby’s membership framework, which aligns with World Rugby membership criteria, Iraq’s Full Membership of Asia Rugby will be submitted for formal ratification by the Asia Rugby Council on 28 June.

The decision marks a historic milestone for rugby in Iraq and represents the culmination of years of dedication and development by the Iraqi rugby community. Iraq now joins the global rugby family as an Associate Member of World Rugby and a full member of Asia Rugby, further strengthening the growth and reach of the sport across Asia.

The Iraq Rugby Federation has been an Associate Member of Asia Rugby since 2020 and has actively participated in regional development initiatives and competitions while working closely with Asia Rugby to strengthen governance, participation, and rugby structures throughout the country.

With Iraq’s admission, 28 of Asia Rugby’s 36 Member Unions are now members of World Rugby, comprising 23 Full Members and five Associate Members, reflecting the continued growth and development of rugby across the region.

Over the past several years, Iraq Rugby has undertaken a comprehensive effort to develop the sport nationwide, establishing men’s and women’s national sevens programmes, launching domestic competitions including a National Sevens League and National Championship, expanding youth and school rugby initiatives, and investing in the education and development of coaches, referees, and match officials.

The Federation has strengthened its governance structures, secured recognition from national sporting authorities, and participated regularly in Asia Rugby competitions. Iraq Rugby also achieved a significant milestone with an Iraqi referee being selected for the Asia Rugby Development Referee Panel this year, highlighting the growing commitment to developing the technical capacity of the Union.

In parallel, Iraq Rugby has created new opportunities for women and young players to engage with the game, helping to build a sustainable rugby ecosystem and ensuring that rugby continues to reach new communities across the country.

These sustained efforts, led by President Dr Fareeq Abdullah Hazzaa and supported by Asia Rugby, culminated in Iraq’s admission as an Associate Member of World Rugby in 2026, marking a historic milestone in the continued growth and development of rugby in Iraq.

Asia Rugby President Qais Al Dhalai said:

“Asia Rugby warmly congratulates the Iraq Rugby Federation on achieving Associate Member status with World Rugby. This is a historic and well-deserved milestone that reflects the dedication, perseverance, and vision of the entire Iraqi rugby community.

I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Dr. Fareeq Abdullah Hazzaa, President of Iraq Rugby, the Executive Board, players, coaches, match officials, volunteers, and fans whose commitment has made this achievement possible.

Iraq’s admission to the global rugby family is an important step forward for rugby in Asia and a testament to the remarkable progress that has been made in recent years. We are confident that rugby in Iraq will continue to grow, inspire new generations, and strengthen communities across the country.

Asia Rugby remains committed to supporting Iraq Rugby on its development journey and looks forward to seeing the Union make a meaningful contribution to the growth of our game both regionally and globally.”

Iraq Rugby Federation President Dr. Fareeq Abdullah Hazzaa said:

“This recognition marks a historic milestone for rugby in Iraq and is an honour that we deeply cherish. It reflects World Rugby’s confidence in our efforts and our commitment to developing the sport in accordance with international standards and best practices.

We view this achievement as the beginning of a new chapter that will inspire us to continue working diligently to promote rugby throughout Iraq, uphold the values and principles of World Rugby, and contribute positively to the growth and development of the global rugby community.

We pledge to be an active, responsible, and dedicated member, committed to supporting the mission and vision of World Rugby while striving for excellence and continuous progress.”

World Rugby’s approval increases the number of World Rugby Members and Associate Members worldwide to 135, further demonstrating rugby’s expanding global footprint and growing reach across emerging nations.