Greece and Morocco reinstated as full World Rugby member unions

World Rugby's ruling Council has reinstated the Royal Moroccan Rugby Federation (FRMR) and the Hellenic Rugby Federation (HRF) as full member unions following periods of suspension.

FRMR had been suspended since March at which time World Rugby initiated steps to improve the union’s governance.

The union is said to have cooperated fully with these measures having worked closely with Rugby Africa and World Rugby to ensure it maintained its path towards progress and development.

Meanwhile, Greece’s national governing body HRF was suspended in November of last year as the union was not recognised by the Greek Ministry of Sport and Culture. 

This has since been rectified though 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.

“We are delighted to be welcoming back Morocco and Greece as full members of World Rugby,” said World Rugby chairman, Bernard Lapasset.

“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.”

World Rugby chairman Bernard Lapasset has welcomed the reinstatement of Morocco and Greece

Cyprus were voted in as an associate member of World Rugby on the same day Greece was suspended, November 20, while Armenia were excluded.

Armenia had their associate membership taken away from Rugby Europe owing to inactivity of activities and administration there. 

But the Cyprus Rugby Federation (CRF), founded in 2006, were welcomed after meeting the criteria for associate membership as laid down by World Rugby regulations, having established a six-team domestic league with four of those teams registered with the CRF. 

World Rugby’s membership now comprises 102 full and 18 associate member unions.

Greece and Morocco are ranked 93rd and 94th respectively in the latest 15-a-side World Rugby rankings.