A recently published ‘Get Into Rugby’ report from World Rugby and Asia Rugby, highlighting Associate Nations, has ranked the UAE as fifth in the world for rugby participation at youth level.

Earlier this year, UAE Rugby entered into a landmark agreement with the UAE Ministry of Education which saw World Rugby’s ‘Get Into Rugby’ (GIR) programme form part of the Physical Education curriculum in Emirati schools across the UAE.

In 2018, 107,001 boys and girls were involved in UAE Rugby’s Player Pathway Programme, 39 per cent of which are girls. Currently, UAE Rugby takes the sport into 208 schools across the country.

Qais Al Dhalai, secretary general of the UAE Rugby Federation, said: “Our agreement with the Ministry of Education is a first for the region and undoubtedly cements the UAE’s position as a leader in development and sustainability of the grassroots game across both the GCC, and Asia.

“This is evident through our being recognised and being ranked as fifth in the world, an achievement we are very proud of. Asia Rugby’s ‘Asia 1 Million Project’ has just reached its mark, and we are delighted to have been a major contributor to this achievement.

“We remain extremely grateful to the ministry, and for the ongoing support of our GIR – Player Pathway Programme partner; HSBC, as a result of their unwavering support rugby will continue to grow at grassroots.”