Morocco has been welcomed back as a full member of the World Rugby family after a period of restructuring, expanding the global governing body’s membership to 133 national unions across six regions.
The Royal Moroccan Rugby Federation had its full membership status reinstated at the World Rugby Council meeting on May 9, having fulfilled all the necessary good governance criteria after being downgraded to associate member in October 2023.
Rugby’s worldwide growth continues to be propelled by the increasing popularity of the women’s game and rugby sevens, particularly in emerging nations.
Also approved at the Council meeting were Jordan being granted full member status and the admission of Montenegro Rugby Union as a new associate member union.
World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont hailed the expansion, stating: “We are delighted to welcome the Montenegro Rugby Union to the World Rugby family and congratulate both Jordan and Morocco on their full member status.”
“We are determined to continue to spread rugby’s unique values and social and physical health benefits to all corners of the globe,” Beaumont added.
“It is fantastic to see World Rugby’s membership expand to 133 countries across all six regions as the global game for all continues to grow and diversify, powered in particular by increases in women’s rugby and rugby sevens participation and fan engagement across the world.”
Morocco’s reinstatement as a full member of the World Rugby family culminates a multi-year effort spearheaded by Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah to have the North African nation’s membership status restored.
His appeal was accepted, paving the way for Morocco to work towards meeting all necessary good governance criteria over the past year.
Morocco previously held full membership from until 2015 before being reclassified as an associate member union last year amid governance issues within its national federation. The North African nation has now met all reinstated criteria.
They now joins a host of recent new full members including Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Portugal and Turkey as rugby continues its global ascension fueled by the sport’s faster formats and a commitment to developing the women’s game worldwide.
