Rugby, an outdoor sport akin to Pakistan’s beloved cricket, hockey, and football, has long been a stranger to the masses in Pakistan. However, its roots in the country date back to the pre-independence era, with the Karachi Rugby Football Union (KRFU) forming in the port city of Karachi. Despite its early beginnings, rugby remained an expatriate-dominated sport, with KRFU’s activities limited due to financial constraints and a lack of opposing teams.

The sport’s fortunes began to change in the 1990s, thanks to the passion and commitment of local players who established clubs in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad.

The Pakistan Rugby Union (PRU) was formed in 2000, but it wasn’t until Chaudhry Arif Saeed, a rugby enthusiast and administrator, took the helm that the sport started to gain momentum. Arif Saeed, himself hailing from a sports-loving family, left no stone unturned in promoting and developing rugby in Pakistan.

Under his leadership (as President PRU) along with a team of dedicated ones under Fawazi Khawaja the game of rugby has made tremendous strides in this part of the world.

Pakistan is now a full member of World Rugby, Asia Rugby, the Pakistan Olympic Association, and is recognised as the governing body of the sport by the Pakistan Sports Board.

PRU has actively contributed to World Rugby’s Mass Participation Programme “Get into Rugby” and has become one of the most active unions in the region.

Today, Pakistan’s rugby team ranks 92nd in the world and 16th in Asia. PRU has earned an impressive 10th position globally for promoting rugby at the grassroots level. As the sport continues to grow, one thing is clear - rugby in Pakistan is here to stay, thanks to the unwavering dedication of its administrators, players, and fans.

PRU’s efforts have led to Pakistan’s participation in various Asia Rugby events, as well as the organisation of multiple domestic competitions for seniors, age-grade levels and women. The union regularly conducts training and development courses to meet the growing demand for rugby professionals, which has become a part of the National Games in Pakistan. Hundreds of players are employed by different departments. In the latest National Rugby Championship (2024) WAPDA emerged as the champions by overcoming Army in the final at Lahore.

One can now see the game of rugby flourishing in far flung areas of Pakistan, south Punjab in particular where training camps have been established for the youth, both men and women.

An international standard Pakistan Rugby Academy has also been set up in Lahore Cantonment with best available facilities for both newcomers as well as national stars.

In this regard for further promotion of the game and grooming the players PRU has also recently hired the services of leading South African coach Ludwiche van Deventer with almost 22 years of 7s coaching experience.

Van Deventer will be the Head Coach of the Pakistan National Men’s Rugby Sevens Team.

In the recent past Pakistan has participated in various Asia Rugby events, including the Provincial Tournament in Sri Lanka, the Asia Rugby Championship Division III C, and the Under-19 Asian Rugby Championship, which they won in 2013. The national team has also competed in international matches against India, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates.

With its member units, including four provincial associations, two regional units, six government departments and an organised referee’s society, PRU is dedicated to growing the game domestically and providing opportunities for women rugby players.

As Pakistan continues to make strides in the world of rugby, one thing is clear - the sport is here to stay, thanks to the unwavering dedication of its administrators, players, and fans.