Asia Rugby announced on the 8th of July that Afghanistan Rugby Federation was granted full membership of Asia Rugby. A historic milestone for the Union that has overcome many obstacles. In the last two years, the Union has been working on all aspects of growing the game.
Asia Rugby President Qais Al-Dhalai congratulated Mr Haris Rahmani, the President of Afghanistan Rugby Federation “let me express my honest and sincere congratulations to you personally, ARF family and the nation of Afghanistan for this recent achievement. It’s an achievement that came after many years and upon intensive and extensive efforts from you, your Board, players, referees, fans and the whole people who belong to Afghanistan Rugby”.
Mr Haris Rahmani, the President of Afghanistan Rugby Federation said, “After a decade of activities and hard work we have achieved Asia Rugby Full Membership status. It is a great achievement for me and for the team”
I want to thank the President of Asia Rugby Mr Qais Al-Dhalai who is also a good friend who has supported us a lot. And I also have to thank Afghanistan National Olympic Committee and General Directorate of Physical Education & Sports of Afghanistan, “Dr Wali Rahimi”
Afghanistan’s journey goes back to 2011 and when the National side played their first match against New Zealand Special Air Services troops in Kabul’s free zone.
The Afghan team’s first international match was played as an exhibition Rugby Sevens match against the United Arab Emirates Sheen team on 27 April 2012 .
Recently the Men’s 7s team has taken part in the Asian Games and last year in Olympic Qualification tournament in Incheon, Korea where they reached the Quarter Finals.
