Iraq has been confirmed as World Rugby’s 135th full or associate member, giving Asia Rugby another formal growth marker before the next phase of global competition reform.
World Rugby confirmed that its Council approved Iraq’s application at its Dublin meeting on 17 June, after the Iraq Rugby Federation met the required membership criteria.
The decision does not land with the force of a Test-match selection call, but it matters structurally. Iraq has been an associate member of Asia Rugby since 2020, has taken part in regional rugby activity, and is recognised by the country’s sports ministry.
World Rugby Council update: Iraq Rugby Federation joins World Rugby family as 135th member
— World Rugby Media (@worldrugbymedia) June 17, 2026
Why Iraq’s status matters
World Rugby framed the move as part of a wider expansion push, saying more than two thirds of UN-recognised countries now have a member or associate member union inside its structure.
Chair Dr Brett Robinson welcomed Iraq into the governing body’s “expanding family”, while Asia Rugby president Qais Al Dhalai called the approval a historic step for the Iraqi rugby community.
Iraq Rugby Federation president Dr Fareeq Abdullah Hazzaa described the recognition as an “historic milestone” and pointed to a commitment to develop the sport in line with international standards.
For Asia Rugby, the timing is useful. The region is trying to convert participation growth into stronger governance, broader domestic structures and more competitive pathways. Iraq’s elevation gives that project a clearer institutional win.
It also fits a wider World Rugby governance week, after the governing body also pushed through player-welfare reform around community tackle height.
