Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi and other National Olympic Committee members during the meeting with the World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Vice President of the National Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Executive Office, met with the World Rugby Chairman, Sir Bill Beaumont.

During the meeting, they discussed means of enhancing bilateral cooperation to boost the progress of rugby in the UAE, which has reached an advanced level.

He was briefed by the visiting guest on the key programmes and initiatives run by World Rugby to support the sport at all levels.

Falasi praised the significant progress seen by rugby in the UAE in terms of facilities and infrastructure, which renders the country the perfect venue option for hosting international and continental games in all disciplines.

"The NOC, under the presidency of Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is keen to support the development of all sports as well as sportsmen and women.

"The sport of rugby in the UAE has made rapid progress under the leadership of the board of the international federation, which is keen on supporting the UAE’s efforts in promoting the game among all segments of society. The development of the sport in the UAE is underlined by the historic feat of winning the West Asian Rugby Cups for men and women held in Doha, Qatar, "said Falasi.

The visitor was briefed about the UAE's preparations to send the largest delegation to Tunisia for the 7th Arab Men’s Rugby Championship and the 2nd Women’s Rugby Championship on February 25-26. About 7 men’s teams and 4 women's teams will take part in the championships.

Attendees at the meeting included Qais Al Dhali, President of the Asian and Arab Rugby Federations, Vice President of the UAE Rugby Federation, and Engineer Azza Bint Sulaiman, Assistant Secretary-General for Administrative and Financial Affairs of the National Olympic Committee, and Mohammed bin Darwish, Executive Director of the National Olympic Committee.