Kurdistan Rugby participated in the Aegean Rugby Festival held on the island of Crete, Greece, from June 7 to 8, 2025, its first time competing in an EU country.

“Fifteen teams around the world participated in this tournament. Kurdistan Rugby was in group B and qualified second in its group. Kurdistan Rugby won the quarter-final, then the team lost the semi-final but managed to secure fourth place in the tournament,” Hiwa Faridun Jwanroyi, Rugby Developer at Kurdistan Rugby Team, told Kurdistan Chronicle.

“This is the first time Kurdistan Rugby participated in a rugby tournament in an EU country, as previously we have participated in tournaments in the UAE and Jordan.”

The Kurdistan Rugby team was established in 2013 and has played a crucial role in promoting the sport in the Kurdistan Region.

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The Kurdistan Rugby Team also participated in the Dubai 7s international social tournament in 2015, 2016, 2018, 2021, 2022, and 2023. 

Jwanroyi added that they are aiming to also participate in Dubai 7s again this year, if sufficient funds can be raised. “We need a sponsor, these tours are not cheap – around $15,000 is needed for a team of 14 and we have no budget.”

Jwanroyi also thanked the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Prime Minister’s Office and Greece’s Consulate General in Erbil for their support. “Their invaluable assistance in facilitating our team’s visas made it possible for us to participate in this unforgettable tournament.”