World Rugby Council has reinstated the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Rugby (FRMR) and the Hellenic Rugby Federation (HRF) as full member unions following periods of suspension.
FRMR had been suspended since March 2015. At that time, World Rugby initiated steps to improve the union’s governance. The union cooperated fully with these measures and it undertook to work closely with Rugby Africa and World Rugby to ensure the union maintained its path towards progress and development.
HRF had been suspended since November 2014. At that time, the union was no longer recognised by the Greek Ministry of Sport and Culture, a situation that has since been rectified in collaboration with Rugby Europe and World Rugby.
Both reinstatements were supported by Rugby Africa and Rugby Europe as the relevant regional associations and both unions are now free to participate in forthcoming official activities. World Rugby’s membership now comprises 102 full and 18 associate member unions.
World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "We are delighted to be welcoming back Morocco and Greece as full members of World Rugby. These are very exciting times for our sport with unprecedented growth and interest around the world. With today’s announcement, we look forward to a stronger, better-organised game in those countries and we are glad that they are now ready to re-join the global rugby family and resume their work growing the game in Africa and Europe."
For more information, please contact:
JAMES FITZGERALD
World Rugby Media Manager
T: +353-1-240-9207 / +353-86-1723-570
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