JRFU to Sign MOU with Southeast Asia Rugby Federation

The Japan Rugby Football Union will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Southeast Asia Rugby Federation (SEARF) with the express aim of strengthening cooperation with SEARF member unions for the further development of rugby across Asia. The Signing Ceremony will take place at the Royal Garden Hotel in Central London on Thursday, September 25 at 09:30 local time.

The key commitments of the MOU are to:
– Foster closer cooperation in rugby development
– Share knowledge, expertise, and resources to achieve high performance in rugby
– Develop joint initiatives that will raise and sustain the competitive level & growth of rugby in the region

Initiatives will include the exchange and development of referees, coaches, players, and staff across the region. Through these activities, the JRFU aims to strengthen cooperative relationships with SEARF member unions and enhance the contribution of Japanese Rugby in the promotion and development of rugby throughout Asia.

In addition to the JRFU, the Southeast Asia Rugby Federation will sign similar MOUs with other East Asian national unions including Chinese Taipei Rugby Football Union (CTRFU), Guam Rugby Union (GRU), Hong Kong China Rugby (HKCR) and Korea Rugby Union (KRU).

The Southeast Asia Rugby Federation was established in May 2025 by the National Rugby Unions of Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. The SEARF aims to promote the growth of rugby in Southeast Asia at both grassroot and elite levels as well as fostering closer cooperation in regional competitions and strengthening collaboration amongst its member unions.

Information for media wishing to cover the MOU signing ceremony:

  • Venue: Royal Garden Hotel, 2, 24 Kensington High Street, London. W8 4PT
  • Date: Thursday, September 25
  • Time: 9:30 local time (17:30 JST)
  • Attendees:
    ・Pol. Lt. Col. Kunthon Prachuabmoh (President, Southeast Asia Rugby Federation)
    ・Jeffry Chang (President, Chinese Taipei Rugby Football Union)
    ・Steve Grantham (Treasurer, Guam Rugby Football Union)
    ・Christopher Brooke (Chairman, Hong Kong China Rugby Football Union)
    ・Masato Tsuchida (President, Japan Rugby Football Union)
    ・Seong Won Sara Park (Vice President, Korea Rugby Union)

Media wishing to cover the MOU Signing Ceremony should contact the JRFU by email at media@rugby-japan.or.jp by Wednesday, September 24.

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