Saudi Arabian Rugby Federation

What Saudi Arabian Rugby Federation does

The Saudi Arabian Rugby Federation (SARF) is the sole national governing body for rugby in Saudi Arabia, founded in 2016 and recognized by Asia Rugby and affiliated with World Rugby. Headquartered in Riyadh with 17 employees, SARF organizes and manages domestic rugby competitions (SARF 7s Series, SARF 15s Series, School 7s Rugby, Community 7s Rugby, Mini & Youth programs), fields three national teams (Men's, Women's, U18), and operates development pathways spanning 8 active clubs, 1,500+ players, and 400+ school participants. The federation generates revenue through tiered sponsorship packages (Bronze/Silver/Gold), membership and registration fees across six categories, merchandise sales via an online shop, tournament entry fees, and coaching and officiating certification programs. Strategic alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 is central to SARF's positioning, with the federation leveraging partnerships with the Ministry of Education (school curriculum integration), Royal Commission Jubail, UAE Rugby Federation, and global governing bodies to develop rugby as a participation and spectator sport across the Kingdom ahead of the Asian Games 2034, where rugby sevens will be featured.

SARF's operating model is community-led and event-driven, relying on grassroots outreach, school and university partnerships, and a packed tournament calendar to grow the player base. Sponsorship is the primary commercial revenue stream, structured around three tiers with kit placement, event visibility, hospitality, and co-branded content entitlements. The federation has achieved notable recent milestones including a historic semi-final finish at the Asia Rugby Sevens Cup 2025, the Women's National Team's Arab 7s championship win in its debut competition in February 2024, and the establishment of a women's department in late 2023 that has driven rapid female participation growth. As a non-profit national federation, SARF does not publicly disclose revenue or financial metrics, and operates without disclosed institutional investment or ownership stakes.

Name

Saudi Arabian Rugby Federation

Legal name

Saudi Arabian Rugby Federation

Website

https://rugby.sa

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Saudi Arabian Rugby Federation (SARF) is the sole national governing body for rugby in Saudi Arabia, founded in 2016 and headquartered in Riyadh. It organizes domestic tournaments, manages three national teams, and runs grassroots development programs serving 8 clubs, 1,500+ players, and 400+ school participants, aligned with Vision 2030.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

National Sports Federation Governance

NAICS

Other Similar Organizations (except Business, Professional, Labor, and Political Organizations) (813990)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

National Governing Bodies (NGBs) (MPAKAFAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Professional Sport Governing Bodies & League Sanctioning Authorities (MPAKAFAE), Amateur Sport Governing Bodies & Federations (National/Regional) (MPAKACAD)

Keywords

• National rugby federation
• Rugby governance
• Amateur rugby competition
• Athlete development programs
• Rugby education and certification

Headquarters

HQ city

Riyadh

HQ country

Saudi Arabia

HQ region

Middle East

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Sponsorship & Partnership Revenue: SARF generates revenue through tiered sponsorship packages (Bronze/Community Engagement, Silver/National Support, Gold/Premier Strategic) with logo placement on national team kits (front of shirt, shorts, back above/below number, arms, legs) and various marketing entitlements including event visibility, social media features, VIP hospitality, and co-branded content. Sponsorship is the primary commercial revenue stream, with the federation's vision 'Everybody Counts' framing inclusivity as a value proposition to sponsors.
2. Membership & Registration Fees: SARF collects membership and registration fees from players, clubs/teams, match officials, medical professionals, coaches, and standard members through its online registration portal. Six distinct membership categories are offered.
3. Merchandise & E-commerce: SARF operates an online shop selling merchandise including national team kits (men's and women's). The federation has a dedicated Merchandise & E-commerce Officer role within its Marketing & Communications department.
4. Event Participation & Entry Fees: Revenue generated through tournament entry fees for SARF-organized competitions including the SARF 7s Series, SARF 15s Series, School 7s Rugby, Community 7s Rugby, and Mini & Youth programs across multiple cities in Saudi Arabia.
5. Educational Programs & Certification: SARF offers a wide variety of courses for all rugby positions, providing online and physical training for certification. Revenue generated from coaching and officiating education programs under the Education Manager and Referee Development Officer functions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

SARF governs the sport of rugby (rugby union, rugby league, and touch) across Saudi Arabia. It organizes official domestic competitions, selects and manages national representative teams, trains and licenses coaches and match officials, and runs grassroots and youth development programs to grow participation in the sport.

Product overview

The Saudi Arabian Rugby Federation (SARF) operates as a national sports governing body offering a portfolio of tournament products and development programs. The core offerings include the SARF 7s Series and SARF 15s Series as the premier domestic rugby competitions, complemented by three national team programs (Men, Women, and U18 Youth) that compete regionally and internationally. Supporting these are grassroots development programs including School Rugby 7s, Community Touch 7s, Clubs 7s Rugby, and Mini & Youth Rugby. The federation also provides an Education & Training program for coaching and officiating certifications, and offers a tiered Sponsorship Program with Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers for partners. The organization connects with international competitions including Asia Rugby Sevens Series, Dubai Sevens, and Arab Sevens Championship.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SARF 7s Series: Saudi Arabia's premier Rugby 7s competition spanning multiple cities with separate competitions for men, women, and under-18 players.
• SARF 15s Series
• SARF Women's Rugby Program
• Mini & Youth Rugby Program
• School Rugby 7s Program
• Community Touch 7s

Products and services

• Domestic Rugby Competitions and Leagues
• National Representative Teams (Men, Women, Youth)
• Coach and Match Official Certification
• Grassroots and Youth Development Programs

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1,500 active players across 8 clubs; School Rugby 7s program has 400+ participants; 40+ women and 20+ girls actively participating in rugby programs by January 2024
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.

• UAE Rugby FederationflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025SARF signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UAE Rugby Federation during the Dubai Rugby 7s 2025. The agreement aims to foster collaboration and further the development of rugby across the Gulf region. The MoU was signed by SARF President Ali Al-Dajani and UAE Rugby Federation Secretary-General Mohammed Al-Zaabi, representing H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum. Distinguished guests included Qais Al-Dhalai (President of Asian and Arab Rugby Federations) and Alan Gilpin (CEO of World Rugby). This partnership represents a core strategic alliance for regional rugby development and positions SARF as a regional rugby leader.
• Portas ConsultingcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Portas Consulting entered a landmark sponsorship deal to support SARF's women's rugby development program. This partnership plays a crucial role in advancing women's rugby and empowering female athletes in the Kingdom. David Portas, Owner of Portas Consulting, stated the company is proud to sponsor the development of the women's rugby team and believes investing in SARF's women's program will foster a vibrant rugby community where the game is equally embraced by all.
• Saudi Ministry of EducationflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023SARF signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Education to include rugby in school curriculums. This partnership launched the School Rugby 7s program, which has over 400 student participants across male and female categories. The MOU enables SARF to promote rugby at the grassroots level through official educational channels, supporting the federation's vision of inclusive rugby development from a young age.
• Royal Commission Jubail (RCJ)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRoyal Commission Jubail is a Vision 2030-aligned government entity and a partner of SARF, supporting rugby development in the Jubail region. RCJ is listed among SARF's sponsors on the federation's homepage alongside SOPC, Quality of Life Program, and other Vision 2030 initiatives. SARF has a dedicated Jubail Rugby Club and Jubail is a venue for SARF 7s Series legs.
• Asia RugbyflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerAsia Rugby is the continental governing body for rugby in Asia that recognizes SARF as its member federation. Saudi national teams compete in Asia Rugby events including the Asia Rugby Emirates 7s Trophy and Asia Sevens Championship. The federation's affiliation with Asia Rugby provides legitimacy, tournament access, and international competitive pathways for Saudi athletes.
• World RugbyflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorld Rugby is the global governing body for rugby. SARF is affiliated with World Rugby as the recognized national federation. World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin attended the MoU signing between SARF and UAE Rugby Federation at Dubai 7s 2025. World Rugby's global framework provides SARF with international standards, referee certification pathways, and access to world rugby events.
• Arab Rugby FederationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Arab Rugby Federation organizes the annual Arab 7s Championship, a premier regional rugby competition featuring national teams from across the Arab world in men's and women's categories. SARF participates in Arab 7s tournaments (Taif and Alexandria editions), and Saudi teams have won the championship (Women's team in 2024).
• King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKAUST hosts SARF 7s Series events and is an active university partner in rugby development. The university has hosted School Rugby 7s events and is featured in SARF's event photography. SARF's University & Club Engagement Officer manages the relationship, and KAUST represents a key pathway for tertiary-level rugby development.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• World Rugby: Global governing body for rugby to which SARF is affiliated. SARF CEO participates in World Rugby frameworks; the global body provides certification pathways and international standards relevant to SARF's operations.
• Japan Rugby Football Union: National federation governing rugby in Japan — the leading Asian rugby nation and Asia Rugby heavyweight. SARF competes against Japan in continental competition and follows a similar model of federation-run national teams, league structures and grassroots programs.
• Asia Rugby: Continental governing body that recognizes SARF and sanctions regional competitions including the Asia Rugby Sevens Series. Operates at a higher tier than SARF but is structurally comparable as a sports governing body in the same ecosystem.
• Rugby Football Union (England Rugby): Established national rugby governing body under World Rugby, operating a much larger ecosystem (Premiership, grassroots, Twickenham). Comparable in core function (rugby governance, national teams, certification) but at vastly larger scale and commercial maturity.
• New Zealand Rugby: Iconic national rugby federation with deep commercial partnerships and strong grassroots-to-elite pathways. Structurally analogous as a rugby federation but operates in a mature rugby market versus SARF's emerging-market growth context.
• Rugby Australia: National federation governing rugby in Australia with a much larger professional and grassroots ecosystem. Comparable in operating model — national teams, sevens/fifteens leagues, school pathways, sponsorships — but at significantly larger scale.

Direct peers

• Singapore Rugby Union: Another Asia Rugby member federation of similar scale and operating profile, running domestic sevens and fifteens leagues, school programs, and national team participation in regional tournaments — a near-comparable governance and competition structure to SARF.
• Hong Kong China Rugby: Comparable national federation governing rugby in an Asia-based market with similar player-base scale and Asia Rugby affiliation. Both federations compete in the same Asia Rugby Sevens Series pathways and pursue similar participation-growth strategies.
• UAE Rugby Federation: Direct regional peer and counterpart national governing body for rugby in the UAE. SARF signed a flagship MoU with UAE Rugby at Dubai 7s 2025 for Gulf-region rugby development, making it the most directly comparable federation in scale and regional positioning.

Others

• Portas Consulting: Named sponsor of SARF's women's rugby development program. Portas Consulting is a sports advisory firm and represents an ecosystem partner enabling SARF's women's strategy rather than a direct competitive peer.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ksa_Rugby
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@ksa_rugby
• Facebookfacebook.com/SaudiArabianRugbyFederation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/saudi-arabian-rugby-federation
• Instagraminstagram.com/ksa_rugby

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Saudi Arabian Rugby Federation