Rugby has witnessed significant growth in Pakistan over the past few years, yet the leadership of the Pakistan Rugby Union (PRU) remains determined to achieve even higher milestones. With a clear vision for the sport’s development at both national and international levels, the PRU is actively working to expand its reach and strengthen Pakistan’s presence in the global rugby arena.
The PRU, established in 2000 as the official governing body of rugby in Pakistan, remained relatively inactive in its early years. However, the game took a significant turn when Chaudhry Arif Saeed, a passionate sports administrator, along with Fawzi Khawaja, assumed leadership. Under their tenure, rugby in Pakistan not only gained structure but also saw remarkable progress.
A Legacy of Sports
Leadership
Chaudhry Arif Saeed hails from a distinguished sporting family. His grandfather, Chaudhry Muhammad Hussain, served as the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), while his father, Chaudhry Ahmad Saeed, played a vital role in promoting sports in the country, particularly during his tenure as Chairman of the Agricultural Development Bank of Pakistan (now Zarai Taraqiati Bank).
Arif Saeed carried forward this legacy with unrelenting dedication to rugby. Alongside his team, led by Fawzi Khawaja, he worked tirelessly to develop the sport across the country, ensuring that Pakistan could field competitive squads capable of taking on regional powerhouses.
As a result, Pakistan is now a full member of World Rugby, Asia Rugby, and the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) and is officially recognized by the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) as the governing authority for the sport.
New Leadership for a New Chapter
The PRU recently held elections for its next four-year term (2025-2029) at its headquarters in Servis House, Lahore. The elections were conducted in the presence of representatives from Asia Rugby, POA, and PSB, ensuring transparency and credibility.
The results marked a major shift in leadership, with Rizwan-ur-Rab Malik elected as the new PRU President, replacing Chaudhry Arif Saeed, who was recently chosen as President of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA). Rizwan Malik, who also serves as Vice President of Asia Rugby, brings with him over 30 years of experience in the sport, making him well-equipped to elevate Pakistan rugby to new heights.
Recognizing Arif Saeed’s long-standing contributions, the PRU appointed him as Chairman, succeeding Fawzi Khawaja. This move ensures that the expertise and leadership of Arif Saeed remain available to the PRU while allowing him to focus on his new role in the Pakistan Olympic Association.
Diversity and Inclusion: A New Executive Committee
One of the most progressive aspects of the recent elections was the formation of a highly qualified and dynamic executive committee, reflecting a fresh approach based on merit and inclusivity. For the first time in Pakistan rugby’s history, a significant number of women have been elected to key positions, marking a strong commitment to diversity within the sport’s administration.
The newly elected Vice Presidents are: Ms. Tahira Saleem, M Muzammil Khan Wazeeri, M Naeem Javed, Mohsin Iqbal Khan. Other key office-bearers include Salman Muzaffar Shaikh – Secretary and Haroon Naseem – Treasurer. Additionally, the executive committee now comprises Ms. Raheela, Tariq Khan Niazi, M Tahir, M Umair Tariq, Qurat-ul-Ain Haider, Samar Hayat and Hammad Safdar.
Vision for the Future
Speaking on the occasion, PRU Chairman Arif Saeed welcomed the newly elected officials and expressed gratitude to Fawzi Khawaja for his services to Pakistan rugby. He reaffirmed his commitment to the sport’s growth. “We, as a team, aim to expand grassroots programs, enhance international participation, and ensure that rugby becomes a more prominent sport in Pakistan.”
Newly elected PRU President Rizwan Malik echoed these sentiments, emphasizing player development, infrastructure expansion, and international collaborations. He remarked: “This is a new era for Pakistan rugby. We are committed to creating more opportunities for young talent and taking the sport to the next level, both domestically and internationally.”
Expanding Rugby’s
Footprint in Pakistan
The PRU has already pledged to increase rugby events nationwide in the coming years, with a strong focus on women’s participation. More tournaments and exposure opportunities are planned for women’s teams across various age groups, ensuring inclusivity and long-term sustainability.
Additionally, the introduction of rugby at the provincial and district levels has played a crucial role in spreading the sport’s reach. PRU has also launched school-level programs, integrating rugby into educational institutions to groom young talent from an early age. The sport has gained further recognition as it is now part of Pakistan’s National Games, leading to over 200 players securing employment in universities and various departments.
Pakistan’s Growing
Presence in Asian Rugby
The Pakistan Rugby Union is among the top rugby unions in Asia, having successfully run the “Get into Rugby” project for the past three years. This initiative has played a crucial role in increasing participation at the grassroots level. In a short span of just five years, PRU has made significant strides, establishing rugby grounds in multiple cities, including South Punjab, FATA, Quetta, Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar, Lodhran, Multan, Mailsi, Fort Abbas, Muzaffargarh, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar and Lahore.
With a dedicated leadership team and an ambitious roadmap for development, Pakistan rugby is poised for a promising future. The PRU’s efforts in expanding the sport at grassroots, national, and international levels are yielding positive results. Under the new leadership of Rizwan Malik and the continued guidance of Arif Saeed, Pakistan Rugby Union is well-positioned to scale new heights and make a mark in global rugby competitions.
– Sarfraz Ahmed