Rugby union in Syria explained

Rugby union in Syria is a minor but growing sport. Rugby was first introduced to the country by French and British forces, as well as by Syrian expatriates returning from the diaspora.

History

Rugby was played in Syria under a French mandate when it was brought to the country by Allied troops after the 1941 invasion.

Touch rugby was played in Damascus since 1982.

Rugby union was introduced to Syria by the French and the British in 2004, started to grow by inviting the Syrians to play and join the team to participate in region tournaments in the Middle East.

The Syrian High Rugby Committee was formed by the Syrian Sports Council in March 2012 and as the President of the Syrian Committee was appointed Ahmad Madani, although rugby has been played in the country for a longer period of time. Syrian Rugby became a member of Asia Rugby in May 2015.^[1] The SHRC was accepted as associated member of World Rugby in November 2022.^[2]

Competitions

The Syrian Rugby League Championship has been run by the General Sports Federation since 2012.

, the league comprised five teams: Zenobians (formed in 2004), IUST Palmerians (2015), AIU Alphas (2015), Victory (2012), and Titans.^{[3] [4]}

See also

• Syria women's national rugby sevens team
• Sarah Abd Elbaki

External links

• Rugby in Asia, Syria page
• "Islam and Rugby" on the Rugby Readers review
• Syrians take to rugby with fierce pride (New York Times)
• Asia Rugby
• IRB page

Notes and References

1. Web site: Syrian Rugby Championship 2020. 27 March 2022. rugbyasia247.com.
2. Web site: World Rugby continues global growth mission with three new members. 11 November 2022. World Rugby.
3. Web site: Syrian High Rugby Committee. 26 March 2022. Asia Rugby.
4. News: We didn’t come to lose: Damascus Zenobians participation at Dubai Rugby Sevens a triumph in itself. Paul Radley. thenationalnews.com. 30 November 2017. 26 March 2022.