• Egypt, Guatemala and Lesotho ascend to full member status of the international federation following World Rugby Council approval on 14 November
  • The family of national unions in World Rugby membership includes 133 unions across six global regions
  • An associate member of World Rugby since 2022, Egypt has hosted recent regional rugby sevens competitions
  • Lesotho, an enclave surrounded by South Africa, has been a full member of Rugby Africa since 2016
  • Guatemala became an associate member of World Rugby in 2016 and a full member of Sudamerica Rugby since 2014
  • Rugby’s global growth continues in emerging nations, driven by the women’s game and rugby sevens following a record-breaking Olympic Games in Paris

Egypt, Guatemala and Lesotho have been elevated to World Rugby full member status following approval by the international federation’s Council on 14 November, having achieved all necessary criteria.

The family of national unions in World Rugby membership stands at 133 across six regions.

The Egypt Rugby Football Union has been an associate member of World Rugby since 2022 and a full member of Rugby Africa since 2019. With a strong focus on rugby sevens, Egypt has successfully hosted regional tournaments including the men’s and women’s regional competitions in Alexandria in 2021.

The Federation of Lesotho Rugby has been a World Rugby associate member since 2022, a full member of Rugby Africa since 2016 and has participated in the regional rugby sevens tournaments. Lesotho is an enclave surrounded by South Africa, the reigning men’s World Champions.

Asociacion Deportiva Nacional de Rugby de Guatemala has been an associate member of World Rugby since 2016 and a full member of Sudamerica Rugby since 2014. Guatemala has 29 men’s and women’s teams and participates in Sudamerica Rugby tournaments.

World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: “It is fantastic to see Egypt, Guatemala and Lesotho achieve World Rugby full member status and I congratulate all three countries on their impressive progress and development in recent years.

“Boosted by an outstanding, record-breaking Olympic rugby sevens competition in Paris, our global game for all continues to grow and diversify, powered in particular by increases in women’s rugby participation and greater fan engagement across the globe.

“With 133 member countries across all six regions, World Rugby is committed to continuing to deliver on its core mission to grow and evolve globally, becoming more accessible and entertaining, and ensuring the sport’s unique DNA, and the physical and social benefits involved in playing rugby are available to girls and boys, women and men wherever they are in the world.”

Egypt Rugby Football Union President Hussam Saheb said: “The Egyptian Rugby Football Union proudly announces its elevation to full membership status within World Rugby, marking a historic achievement for rugby in Egypt and reflecting the union’s dedication to advancing the sport nationwide. This milestone affirms Egypt's commitment to rugby and opens the door to increased global engagement and development opportunities.

“We have worked tirelessly since the establishment of the Egyptian Rugby Football Union to grow rugby’s presence in Egypt. This recognition from World Rugby is a testament to the Egyptian Rugby Union’s achievement. 

“We have long championed inclusivity, working diligently to establish rugby programmes for women and youth, enabling them to train and compete at all levels. We are dedicated to our mission of fostering a dynamic rugby community and nurturing a new generation of Egyptian athletes, young players and female players across the country. 

“With full membership, Egypt can participate in a wider range of international competitions, enhancing the country’s visibility and opening up funding and training opportunities that will benefit athletes, coaches, and fans. This achievement will undoubtedly catalyse the continued growth of rugby in Egypt, inspiring more Egyptians to embrace the sport and showcase their talent on the world stage.

“This landmark full membership of World Rugby not only brings Egypt closer to the global rugby community but also amplifies its mission to inspire the next generation of rugby players.”

Federation of Lesotho Rugby President Fetang Selialia said: “Being a member of World Rugby has always been the dream, the aspiration and vision that we have had. Rugby in Lesotho is an ideal that is equally shared by both male and female players and full membership will open doors to grow more talent and reach greater heights.

“Full membership also means an improved commitment from our Government and partners in joining forces to develop rugby infrastructure. Lesotho Rugby’s relentless development programme that includes the Get into Rugby programme in over 200 schools shows our commitment to grow rugby in our country.

“As a World Rugby full member we join the broader rugby nations and have an opportunity to dream and have a plan of action towards achieving that dream. This dream is shared not only with our committee and rugby community but also with our partners, sponsors, our Ministry, Lesotho Sport and Recreation Commission, Lesotho National Olympic Committee and of course his Majesty King Letsie III who is the life Patron of the Federation of Lesotho Rugby.

“We appreciate the support we have received over the years from Rugby Africa and World Rugby through various programmes that have helped Lesotho Rugby to be where we are today.”

Ángel Gaytán, Guatemala Rugby Federation President said: “As the head of rugby in Guatemala, I would like to thank World Rugby’s Executive Committee for granting us full membership, and in doing so, also thank their staff that have accompanied us in the process and helped us to reach this important development for the sport in my country. We also thank Sudamerica Rugby for their support and for pushing us during this process.”