The Saudi Ministry of Education has announced the inclusion of rugby as an elective sport within its physical education and student activities curriculum. This initiative dubbed the “School Rugby Initiative,” aims to introduce rugby as an optional learning unit in physical education programs across the nation.
The announcement was made in a grand event attended by notable officials of the Ministry of Education and the Saudi Rugby Federation, led by Federation President Mr. Ali Musbah Al-Dajani.
Saudi Education Ministry Integrates Rugby into Physical Education Curriculum
As part of the initiative, ongoing training courses will be offered to 25 girls’ schools and 25 boys’ schools across various educational stages in public schools. Initially launching in the Riyadh educational region, the program is part of a planned expansion to other regions of the Kingdom in the coming years.
The initiative was officially launched with a presentation by Mr Sami Mohammed Smara to 46 physical education teachers from public schools in Riyadh, culminating in a symbolic gesture of tossing rugby balls from Ministry representatives to the teachers, marking the kickoff of this groundbreaking initiative.
With rugby sevens recognised as an Olympic sport, the inclusion of rugby in the curriculum lays the foundation for expanding and accelerating the pathway for young players to excel in the sport. This strategic move aims to cultivate a strong foundation for rugby in the Kingdom, enabling aspiring athletes to represent Saudi Arabia in elite sporting events, including the Olympics.
Mr Ali Musbah Al-Dajani, President of the Saudi Rugby Federation said “This inclusion of Rugby into the school curriculums within the kingdom is a milestone achievement for the federation and shows the potential for how sports and education can benefit mutually when it comes to well-being of students as well as engagement in schools We are heavily invested in grassroots developments, and making sure that we can deliver Rugby at the highest quality”
Dr. Anwar bin Abdullah Abu Abbad, Head of Student Activities, also expressed his enthusiasm and support for the initiative, highlighting its potential to enrich the physical education landscape and foster a new generation of rugby enthusiasts in Saudi Arabia.
“An integral stepping stone for the Saudi Arabia Rugby Federation that will see fruition in the foreseeable future. In the proximity of Asia, Saudi Arabia is a key market for us and we are confident that rugby sport inclusion in the education curriculum will benefit the Saudi Arabia national teams which will see them contesting at the global arena” added Qais Al Dhalai – President Asia Rugby
