Rugby is gaining ground. Its international federation, World Rugby, announces the integration of three new countries, on three different continents. Montenegro (photo above), a full member of Rugby Europe since 2021, is moving up a notch by joining the international body. Its membership was unanimously accepted by the World Rugby Council. Under the presidency of Zorica Kostić, former captain of the women's national team, the seven clubs registered with the federation participate in different categories and disciplines, including tag, touch, Sevens, 10s, XV and beach rugby. Another arrival: Jordan. An associate member of World Rugby since 2020, it is now recognized as a full member. Jordan owes this in particular to women's rugby, which is booming, while the men's team made its international debut in 2010. Jordan holds the record for the lowest rugby match ever played, at an altitude of 400 meters below sea level. Finally, Morocco is readmitted as a full member, after having had to go through a transitional period as an associate member since October 2023. With these three new entrants, World Rugby now has 133 countries members.
