By Priscilla Jepchumba

On 14 November, Egypt, Guatemala and Lesotho officially achieved full membership status of World Rugby, recognition granted at the International Federation Council meeting. This milestone means that the global rugby community now comprises 133 national federations across six distinct regions.

Egypt has been an associate member of World Rugby since 2022 and established itself within Rugby Africa as a full member in 2019. The country has demonstrated a strong commitment to rugby, particularly in the format sevens, successfully hosting several regional tournaments, particularly men’s and men’s. women’s competitions organized in Alexandria in 2021.

Meanwhile, Lesotho has been part of Rugby Africa since 2016 and, like Egypt, became an associate member of World Rugby in 2022. This small enclave surrounded by South Africa has also participated in regional rugby competitions, demonstrating its growing passion for rugby. sport.

Guatemala’s journey began with its admission as an associate member of World Rugby in 2016 after being integrated into Sudamerica Rugby in 2014. The country boasts a vibrant rugby community with 29 teams spread across the men’s divisions. and women, actively contributing to regional tournaments in South America.

World Rugby chairman Brett Robinson expressed his enthusiasm for the progress of the three nations. He highlighted the important role of the recent Paris Olympic Games in promoting rugby sevens, leading to increased participation and interest globally, particularly among women and youth.

“It’s fantastic to see Egypt, Guatemala and Lesotho achieve full membership status with World Rugby, and I congratulate all three countries on their impressive progress and development over recent years,” said Robinson. .

“Spurred on by an exceptional and record-breaking Olympic rugby sevens competition in Paris, our global game for all continues to grow and diversify, fueled in particular by increased participation in women’s rugby and greater fan engagement in across the world,” he added.

The presidents of the respective federations celebrated their achievements. Hussam Saheb, President of the Egyptian Rugby Football Federation, highlighted that achieving full membership symbolizes a historic milestone for rugby in Egypt.

He noted that this achievement will enable the nation to participate in wider international events, thereby promoting greater visibility and support for Egyptian rugby.

Fetang Selialia, President of the Lesotho Rugby Union, reiterated his dream of becoming a full member and expressed optimism about increased talent development and government support for rugby infrastructure, paving the way for a better future for this sport in Lesotho.