JRFU and Southeast Asia Rugby Federation Sign MOU
The Japan Rugby Football Union has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Southeast Asia Rugby Federation (SEARF) on September 25 at the Royal Garden Hotel in London.
The MOU aims to strengthen cooperation between the JRFU and SEARF member unions for the further development of rugby across Asia with a commitment to:
- Fostering closer cooperation in rugby development
- Sharing knowledge, expertise, and resources to achieve high performance in rugby
- Developing 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 signed 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).
Commenting at the signing ceremony President of the Southeast Asia Rugby Federation Pol.Lt.Col. Kulthon Prachuabmoh said:
“On behalf of the Southeast Asia Rugby Federation, I am deeply honored to have this opportunity to address our members and friends. We established our regional federation through the collective commitment of seven founding members: Brunei Rugby Football Union, Persatuan Rugby Union Indonesia, Lao Rugby Federation, Malaysia Rugby Union, Philippine Rugby Football Union, Singapore Rugby Union, and Thai Rugby Union. As stated in our Charter’s Preamble, the Southeast Asia Rugby Federation acknowledges the unifying power of rugby as a tool for promoting healthy competition, community development, and sporting excellence across our region.
“We are truly grateful that our esteemed colleagues have expressed interest in connecting with us through this MOU. I believe that together we will develop rugby with enthusiasm, sincerity, and mutual respect at all times. We will treasure this pivotal moment and remain dedicated to passing the rugby legacy to future generations, ensuring that all may enjoy this wonderful sport.”
Echoing his comments, President of the Japan Rugby Football Union Masato Tsuchida added:
“On behalf of the Japan Rugby Football Union, I am deeply honoured to participate in this meaningful occasion with our colleagues in East Asia, who have entered into similar agreements with the Southeast Asia Rugby Federation. Our regions are naturally connected through geographical proximity and longstanding sports collaborations. We acknowledge that the establishment of the Southeast Asia Rugby Federation in 2025 will significantly advance rugby through enthusiastic participation in the SEA Games and other regional programmes.
“Together with Chinese Taipei Rugby Union, Guam Rugby Football Union, Hong Kong China Rugby, Japan Rugby Football Union, Korea Rugby Union, we are privileged to formalise this partnership with SEARF and support the objectives outlined in the Southeast Asia Rugby Charter. I am confident that together we will contribute meaningfully to rugby’s growth across our neighbouring regions. This partnership embodies our shared vision for developing rugby for current and future generations, ensuring that all may enjoy this wonderful sport.”
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.
