Jordan Rugby Becomes World Rugby Full Member

Following the World Rugby Council meeting on May 9th 2024, the total number of member unions has grown to 133, as Jordan Rugby was granted full member status, while Montenegro was welcomed in and Morocco reinstated as a full member.

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “We are delighted to welcome the Montenegro Rugby Union to the World Rugby family and congratulate both Jordan and Morocco on their full member status.

We are determined to continue to spread rugby’s unique values and social and physical health benefits to all corners of the globe. It is fantastic to see World Rugby’s membership expand to 133 countries across all six regions as the global game for all continues to grow and diversify, powered in particular by increases in women’s rugby and rugby sevens participation and fan engagement across the world.”

Jordan Rugby – Full World Rugby Member

Photo Credit: Jordan Rugby

Jordan has been a World Rugby associate member since 2020 and has now achieved full member status – having met all the necessary governance and competition criteria. They are the 23rd Asia Rugby member to become a World Rugby Full Member.

World Rugby said, “Jordan has a thriving women’s game and the men’s team made their international 15s debut in 2010. Jordan also holds the record for the lowest-ever rugby match, played at 400 metres below sea level.”

Feisal Al Sadoun, Chairman of Jordan Rugby added: “Today marks a historic milestone for Jordan Rugby as we proudly step onto the global stage as full members of World Rugby. From our humble beginnings of a small group of mainly expatriates training on rocky fields or tennis courts to this significant achievement, it’s a testament to the dedication of our players and the passion of our rugby community.”

“Harnessing the Jordanian people’s innate passion for competition and physicality in sports, we’ve cultivated a rugby culture that embodies our nation’s spirit and resilience, commented Jordan Rugby’s Chairman.

Koki Hamouqa, Director of Rugby and Performance, Jordan Rugby commented: “World Rugby’s recognition gives us renewed energy and purpose. Our national teams are now better positioned than ever to compete and excel on the international stage. Our mission is clear – to empower our athletes and build a culture of excellence that reflects the spirit of Jordanian rugby.”

Aziz Zakaria (Jordan Rugby Secretary General) added via a Jordan Rugby post, “At Jordan Rugby, we are dedicated to empowering athletes, uplifting communities, and instilling rugby’s core values into daily life. We’re on a mission to elevate sports standards in Jordan and beyond, and this full membership status from World Rugby is a significant step forward.”

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