# Rugby union in Afghanistan

Rugby union is a relatively minor sport in Afghanistan, but is increasing in popularity. Afghanistan's current indigenous rugby sides formed in 2011, and played their first match barefoot against New Zealand troops in Kabul's green zone. The country's first official rugby tournament was organized by Asad Ziar who is known as the founder of rugby in Afghanistan and sponsored by the British embassy in December 2011. The Afghan team's first overseas match was played as an exhibition rugby sevens match against the United Arab Emirates national team's development side on 27 April 2012, and played in the Bournemouth Sevens Festival at the Bournemouth Sports Club in June 2012.
A sevens national team played its first match in 2018.

## Governing body

The Afghanistan Rugby Federation (ARF) registered with the National Olympic Committee, Islamic Republic Of Afghanistan, in 2010. The Beginning for Afghanistan The idea of introducing rugby in Afghanistan was a kind of a shared idea because it involves two founding members which include Mr. Asad Ziar and Mr.Mohammad Mansoor and they both agreed in October 2010 that they will introduce rugby to Afghans and it was the foundation day of rugby, while officially rugby came into existence in Afghanistan in May 2011 and it was first introduced through a Rugby Introductory Camp which was sponsored by a shopping Mall called “ Majid Mall” About the founders: Asad Ziar, the first Chief Executive Officer of Afghanistan Rugby Federation ( ARF), was someone on the ground and could be name as the one who introduced rugby into the country or the founder of rugby in Afghanistan , since he used to live and work in Kabul and used to travel to far flung areas in Afghanistan and has a decade of experience working for the development of education, lives of the children, demobilization and re integration of the underage soldiers and many more fields. He had a Master in Business Administration ( MBA) and as well a Master in Literature ( M..A) along with many technical trainings by Humanitarian and other organizations. Mr.Ziar was dedicated for changing the lives of the Afghan children by sport and worked voluntarily for Afghanistan Rugby Federation ( ARF).
Asad Ziar, the main force behind the development and progress of rugby has been traveling the country spreading the word and opening up rugby clubs wherever he can, teaching everyone from boys to men the basic skills they need. The International side is extremely determined and according to Asad Ziar has several characters who would push for an All Black’s place..
Our aim is to support a youngsters, youth , kids and girls who are choosing sport against a backdrop of violence, conflict and suffering. We’re not making judgments about the war, or about individuals, it’s about sport, doing something positive and result oriented and having fun and the most positive aspect that we will attract our new generation towards sport and providing them the opportunity to not to be part of the violence , war and drug addiction.
This is a huge undertaking for Afghanistan Rugby Federation ( ARF ) and we're just very committed to introduce rugby to each and every kids in Afghanistan and it is only possible with the help from around the world.
Both the two founders are young , energetic and dedicated people and none of them need anything from Afghanistan Rugby Federation but the development of sport, their vision and aim is a shared one and they have always contributed in the development of rugby in Afghanistan. We do have a transparent financially and monitoring system that each penny is donated to us has been received a transparent report and if we are donated kits we have sent out videos and pictures along with the financial reports , hence there will always be an addition from us and no subtraction and we do realize that our country stands in the second row in the field of corruption but till we are there , we will not allow such people to join us.
I am also very committed to introducing rugby to each and every kid in Afghanistan. My aim is to support the youth, both boys and girls, who are choosing rugby against a backdrop of violence, conflict and suffering. I'm not making judgments about the war, or about individuals. It’s all about the sport, doing something positive, and having fun. The positive aspect of this is that we will attract our new generation towards rugby while providing them the opportunity to not to be part of the violence, war, and drug addiction.
It is the official body for the sport of Afghan Rugby and is involved in educating, supporting and enabling young Afghans to excel and compete internationally. The ARF was officially launched in Afghanistan on May 20, 2011.
Afghanistan Rugby Federation (ARF) is in the process of developing into a nationwide organization which will certainly promote the game of rugby, accompanying the spirit of teamwork and fair competition among all age-groups throughout Afghanistan emphasizing the young generation. Asad Ziar, Chief Executive Officer states that rugby will only thrive if it becomes a game played by a large number of young generations.

## History

As with many parts of the world, Afghanistan has indigenous sports which bear some resemblance to rugby. One of these is buzkashi, which has been compared to a cross between rugby and polo, using a dead goat or calf as the ball.
In most of Afghan's history, only foreigners can play Western rugby in Afghanistan. The game was first introduced into the country from British India and was played by British troops. After the British left Asia, the game all but died in Afghanistan. Following the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan, rugby was reintroduced by foreign forces, being played amongst NATO and Australian soldiers on their bases.

## Gallery

* Meeting of Rugby union in Afghanistan
* Herat Rugby Squad
* The President of NOC with Afghan Rugby Players and Vice President of ARF
* Afghan Rugby Squad