Qatar Rugby Federation and Fiji Rugby Union Sign MoU

The Qatar Rugby Federation and the Fiji Rugby Union have announced they have signed an MoU, which actually came into effect on June 11, 2025, and will run for three years (with an option to extend).

Fiji Rugby Union Chairman, Mr John Sanday, said of the agreement, “Partnering with Qatar opens new avenues for our players and coaches. We are excited about potential training camps, friendly matches, and shared commercial opportunities that will benefit rugby in Fiji.” The two unions hope that the agreement will enhance bilateral sports collaboration.

The signing ceremony took place in the Lusail Hall at the Qatar Olympic Committee headquarters and was signed by Yousef Jeham Al Kuwari, President of the Qatar Rugby and Hockey Committee, and John Ian, Chairman of the Fiji Rugby Union.

Al Kuwari said this represents a strategic step within the committee’s plan to develop rugby in Qatar. “We are proud to cooperate with one of the world’s most prominent rugby union federations. Through this partnership, we look forward to developing national cadres and opening new horizons for excellence at the international level.”

The partnership covers player exchanges, coaching programs, joint training camps, and commercial opportunities. The two rugby federations have agreed to:

• Exchange delegations, including coaches, referees, medical experts, and performance analysts.
• Organise international friendly matches and training camps for men’s and women’s teams across all age groups.
• Collaborate on sports science, medicine, and referee development programs.
• Explore joint commercial ventures, including rugby infrastructure projects.

A joint committee will be formed to oversee the MOU’s implementation, with an annual program to be finalised annually in September.

Reporting from Qatar (thepeninsulaqatar.com) suggested this agreement is within the framework of the Qatar Rugby and Hockey Committee’s strategy to establish an effective international partnership network that keeps pace with global best practices and to build a professional environment that supports the presence of Qatari rugby on the international stage.

From Fiji’s perspective, the Malaysian Rugby Union has been courting them to try and build a rugby relationship, and in May 2025, the Fiji Rugby Union Trust signed an MoU with the China Rugby Football Association (CRFA).

At the time, the FRU said the agreement would ensure “collaborative programs in coaching, sports tourism, event operations, youth development, and long-term athlete sustainability, marking a new era in the rugby relationship between China and Fiji.”

Asian Rugby Development News 2025

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