IRB Signs China Deal

The International Rugby Board (IRB) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the city of Guangzhou and the Chinese Rugby Football Association (CRFA).

The IRB’s Regional General Manager Asia, Jarrad Gallagher, said: “I think there is a real appetite in China for international events and for agreements with international bodies,”

“They are very excited after their Asian Games in 2010 (held in China), which is a very large multi-sport event, and they are looking to be able to build on that legacy.”

Gallagher believes there is huge potential for rugby to be a significant part of building a sporting legacy in China.

“At the moment the figures are about 7,000 people who are participating in rugby in China, but if we go back to 2010 we had a stadium of 30,000 people, which were packed full of Chinese, watching Sevens rugby, men and women of Asian teams,” he said.

“I suppose that puts it into perspective, where the government gets involved, things will happen.”

The IRB plans to introduce rugby into 30 schools in Guangzhou to increase participation in the sport.