Kyrgyzstan Rugby Team Makes Historic Visit to Wales
Wales and Kyrgyzstan Forge Rugby Bonds in Unique Exchange Programme
In a significant milestone for rugby in Central Asia, a delegation from the Kyrgyzstan Federation of Rugby, including national team players, officials, and a female coach, recently completed a historic visit to Wales as part of a rugby exchange programme. Supported by the United Kingdom Embassy in Bishkek and the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), this week-long tour aimed to strengthen the ties between the two nations through rugby, cultural exchange, and shared experiences.
The Kyrgyzstan delegation was warmly welcomed in Wales, where they were treated to a series of memorable events. The programme included multiple coaching sessions, a visit to the iconic Principality Stadium, and other activities designed to immerse the visitors in both the culture of rugby and the rich heritage of Wales.
A highlight of the tour was a historic match between the Kyrgyzstan National Team and Llandaff RFC 1st XV. In a thrilling contest, the Kyrgyz team, bolstered by some local club players, put on a spirited display. Despite a narrow 38-36 defeat, the visitors were the stars of the day, earning admiration for their passion, resilience, and the values of rugby they exhibited throughout the game.
The game was more than just a contest; it was a celebration of rugby’s ability to bridge cultures and create lasting connections. Among those present to witness this momentous occasion were Greg Woods, Participation Programmes Manager at World Rugby; Nick Bowler, the British Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan; Ulan Djusupov, Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to the United Kingdom; and senior officials from the Welsh Rugby Union.
Nick Bowler, the British Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, expressed his delight at the success of the programme, saying, “I’m delighted. We’ve got the Kyrgyz rugby team in Wales today. This is part of a partnership the Embassy helped to set up with the Welsh Rugby Union. For the Welsh Rugby Union to bring some of their expertise and experience to improve and develop the game in Kyrgyzstan. Last year the Welsh Rugby Union sent some coaches over to Bishkek where they trained the national team and some school children and now this year the Welsh Rugby Union have invited the Kyrgyz team back over here.”
Darren Carew, WRU National Inclusion Manager, highlighted the positive impact of the exchange: “We’ve had a fantastic couple of days with the Kyrgyz rugby team. We started off with two sessions on their first day, which was probably a bit heavy, but it was excellent. Their first session was with Cardiff Rugby, where they got to train at the iconic Cardiff Arms Park. In the afternoon, we took them to a club training session, which was actually here. Anna, the female player-coach, went to Llandaff North and joined in with a women’s rugby session, which was quite an experience for her.”
For the Kyrgyzstan Federation of Rugby, this visit was a dream realized. Federation President Nurgazy Kuldzhaev shared his joy, stating, “I am the happiest person today. We are grateful to the efforts of the British Embassy in Kyrgyzstan and the support of the Welsh Rugby Union. Ambassador Nick Bauer helped organise this trip. The organization was difficult, but it happened because of his initiative. I appreciate the support that was provided by the British Embassy and the Welsh Rugby Union.”
Greg Woods, Participation Programmes Manager at World Rugby, praised both the Welsh Rugby Union and the Kyrgyzstan Federation of Rugby for their collaborative efforts. “I applaud both of them because they are actively learning from each other and sharing valuable experiences,” he said. He further noted, “It’s an exchange programme where coaches are being sent in both directions and having the team here this week has been fantastic. I’m sure there’s a lot of valuable learning taking place, which is really important.”
The exchange programme between Kyrgyzstan and Wales represents a significant step forward for rugby in Kyrgyzstan. It not only provided valuable training and experience for the Kyrgyz players but also showcased the power of sport to connect people across borders. As the delegation returns home, they carry with them not only the lessons learned on the field but also the spirit of camaraderie and friendship that rugby fosters.
This historic visit marks the beginning of what both nations hope will be a long and fruitful partnership, as Kyrgyzstan continues to develop its rugby programme with the support and expertise of Welsh rugby.
