By Harsha Amarasinghe

Asia Rugby’s (AR) sensational progress under the President Qais Al-Dhalai took another giant step forward as they signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rugby Africa (RA) further expanding the cooperation between two of the biggest regional governing bodies in World Rugby (WR).

WR President Bill Beaumont and RA President Khaled Babbou alongside the respective council members were present at this historical meeting held in South Africa. 

The initial discussion topics included an exchange of referees programme and a potential Afro-Asia XV Women’s Competition. 

This led to an unprecedented development whereby a female Asian referee, Japan’s Eri Kamimura, officiated a South Africa vs. Namibia Women’s XV match.

“It is a ground-breaking moment for Asia Rugby and Rugby Africa,” Qais Al Dhalai, the Asia Rugby President, said on the occasion. “We have been working on this project for six months, and we have already seen the collaboration in action with an exchange of match officials.

The continental federations are joining hands to help create more opportunity and a better future for match officials and players.”

Rugby Africa President Khaled Babbou commented: “So today we are really happy as Rugby Africa will sign an MOU with Asia Rugby. I think it’s important that we start collaboration in a transversal way between regions. I would like to thank President Qais and Asia [Rugby], with all your competency, for making this happen.”