Dublin, Ireland: The Council of the International Rugby Board (IRB) has approved an application from the United Arab Emirates Rugby Association (UAERA) for associate membership. The IRB now has 98 full members and 20 associate members, and boasts a playing population of 5.5 million men, women and children worldwide. The UAERA had previously become an associate member of the Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU) in 2009 and a full member in 2011. It is recognised by its National Olympic Committee.

Furthermore, the IRB Council has approved a recommendation from the IRB Executive Committee that UAERA be approved as a full member of the IRB within 12 months subject to positive progress and reports from the ARFU and the IRB’s regional staff. As an active Union, UAERA fully meets the IRB membership criteria for associate membership and has been a driving force behind a rapid increase in participation within the country.

It is a structured organisation with full-time administrators. It has 1,300 adult registered players and a further 4,600 youth players. UAERA runs a seven-team annual domestic 15-a-side premiership league and an eight-team conference competition. The national 15-a-side team played in the HSBC Asian 5 Nations Top 5 tournament finishing third in 2011 and the Union continues to host successful tournaments. 

Source: www.olympic.org / www.irb.com