Qais Al Dhalai, UAE Rugby Federation’s Secretary General received Abdelaziz Bougja, IRB Council Member and Confederation of African Rugby (CAR) President, on Monday October 6th, in Dubai.

The main focus of the visit was to discuss the governance of the sport within the UAE, and how the actions and directives implemented by the Federation have been recognised by both emerging, and mature rugby nations.

Bougja applauded the governance practices that the UAERF is ‎enforcing within the UAE jurisdiction.

As Chairman of the IRB Regional Advisory Committee and a member of the IRB Audit & Risk Committee, Bougja believes that the UAERF’s approach in enhancing the governance aspect of the sport of rugby in the UAE should be used as an example for emerging rugby nations.

“The (UAE) federation is setting a high level of governance standards off the field, as well as on, which in the current climate of the game is very crucial in ensuring a healthy, sustainable future for the sport," said Bougja.

“From an IRB perspective, we are very pleased to recognise and support the UAERF efforts on establishing high quality governance pillars."

The upcoming Afro-Asia Rugby 7s Tournament also left a positive impression, where Bougja was confident the UAERF’s initiative of creating this new cross-regional 7’s tournament would benefit the growth of the game and provide emerging nations with the much-needed opportunity for regular exposure at a more competitive playing and refereeing level.

Al Dhalai added: “We were very pleased with Abdelaziz’s appetite to visit Dubai and the Federation.

“His frank and open discussion regarding our governance and initiatives to protect the integrity of the game, to continue to grow the game, and to be a role model within the region was greatly appreciated, and proved to us that we are making positive strides within these pillars.”