The Moroccan Ministry of National Education, Preschool, and Sport alongside Rugby Africa, the continent’s governing organization for rugby, announced earlier this month that the Royal Moroccan Rugby Federation (FRMR) had been reinstated as a full member by Rugby Africa’s Executive Committee by decision of Rugby Africa’s newly elected president.
In a joint statement shared by the two bodies, Rugby Africa’s president, Herbert Mensah expressed his satisfaction with this development.
“We are delighted to see Morocco reinstated and believe they will quickly regain their rightful position as one of the top rugby nations in Africa. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Minister of National Education, Preschool, and Sport of the Kingdom of Morocco for their invaluable contribution to resolving this situation,” said Mensah.
On the other hand, the Minister of National Education, Preschool and Sport Chakib Benmoussa said “Rugby Africa’s decision to lift the suspension against the Royal Moroccan Rugby Federation is a significant milestone for Moroccan rugby. We are dedicated to taking every possible action to elevate Morocco to the ranks of the leading rugby nations in Africa.”
The minister then expressed his sincere appreciation to the newly elected President of Rugby Africa, Herbert Mensah, who, upon taking office, promptly prioritized the removal of sanctions against Morocco.”
Morocco’s suspension from Rugby Africa goes back to 2020, in which no Moroccan team was allowed to participate in any sort of competition.
The Royal Moroccan Rugby Federation (FRMR) was at the heart of the sanction, as Rugby Africa decided the suspension of Driss Boujouala in his capacity as member of the FRMR committee from any involvement in rugby activities for a period of five years, the suspension of all Moroccan national teams, all categories included, from all international rugby competitions until the end of 2021.
With the new decision to lift this ban, the Moroccan rugby scene is expected to get back on track and partake in several competitions, national and international.
All African nations participating in rugby union, rugby sevens, and women’s rugby are united by Rugby Africa.
It coordinates a number of competitions, such as the Rugby World Cup qualifying matches and the Olympic Games Africa Sevens qualifier. The organization has 39 member unions and is committed to advancing rugby in the continent.