Rugby is gaining remarkable momentum in Bahrain, with the sport expanding rapidly under the guidance of Rory Drummond, Director of Rugby for the Bahrain Rugby Federation.

In a recent interview, Drummond shared insights into the growth of rugby in the country, from grassroots initiatives to international competition. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping Bahrain’s rugby scene, creating opportunities for players of all ages and building a strong foundation for the sport’s future.

“The club offers state of the art facilities, some of the best in the Middle East, and the national team benefits directly from this.”

Drummond, who has been in Bahrain for two years, comes with an impressive background in the sport, having worked with rugby programs in Scotland and Hong Kong. Now, his focus is on building something special in Bahrain.

“We have a unique setup here,” Drummond explains. “We have the Bahrain Rugby Club and the Bahrain Rugby Federation, and the two work closely together. The club offers state of the art facilities, some of the best in the Middle East, and the national team benefits directly from this.”

Drummond’s role oversees the national teams while also working to grow the sport locally. Through partnerships with schools and community outreach, rugby has started to take root. “Last year, we held a National Sports Day event, and over 55 local Bahrainis signed up to try rugby for the first time. That was a big win for us,” he says, reflecting on the importance of expanding the player base.

‘Gives kids something to aspire to’

Despite Bahrain being a relatively small nation, rugby’s potential is enormous, thanks in part to the collaboration between the club and the federation. “We’ve doubled the number of kids playing rugby here in just 12 months,” Drummond explains, highlighting how they went from 120 kids to 260 registered players for the new season. He attributes this success to outreach programs in local schools and the community’s increasing interest in the sport.

This growth is essential for the future of the national team. “We knew that for the sport to thrive, we had to build it from the ground up. But at the same time, we also needed a successful senior team to inspire the younger generation. Seeing their country compete and win internationally gives kids something to aspire to,” Drummond adds.

While there is plenty of local excitement, one of the biggest challenges Drummond faces is securing competitive fixtures for the national team. The Bahrain national team has had success in rugby 7s, but getting consistent 15s matches remains a struggle.

Bahrain’s rugby team, however, has made the most of its opportunities. Last year, they travelled to Jordan and won the Jordan Sevens Cup, followed by a strong second-place finish in the Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy.

Drummond remains hopeful, though. “Asia Rugby told us that next year there will be a 15s Division 3 and Division 2 championship, so we’re planning to enter and hopefully work our way up to Division 1 within five years.”

‘She played for South Africa in the World Series’

Bahrain’s rugby revolution isn’t limited to men’s teams. Last year, the federation took the first steps toward developing a women’s program, sending a women’s club team to compete in Qatar.

“We started with 50 women regularly training, which was fantastic,” Drummond says proudly. This year, the program is getting a major boost with the arrival of a new head coach with international experience.

“She played for South Africa in the World Series, and we’re excited to see how she’ll help grow the women’s side.”

Looking ahead, the goal is clear: within three to five years, Bahrain aims to field a women’s national sevens team. “We’ve got a five-year plan in place, and we’re on track to make it happen,” he assures.

When asked about the federation’s broader goals, Drummond’s ambitions are as clear as they are bold. “In the next five years, we hope to be competing in the Sevens Series alongside some of the best teams in Asia,” he says. If the national team can win the Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy in Kathmandu later this year, they’ll be promoted to the next level, competing in a series of tournaments around the world.

For 15s rugby, Drummond envisions Bahrain climbing the ranks. “We’ll enter Division 3 next year, and we expect to see quick success. Within five years, we want to be in Division 1.”

Youth development is also a major focus. The federation aims to establish under-18 and under-20 national teams for both sevens and 15s. “We’re growing participation, and it’s happening quickly,” Drummond notes. “Our goal is to have 100 eligible male players and 25 female players for the national teams in the next three years.”

‘Success will follow’

Beyond the national teams, Drummond sees rugby becoming a core part of Bahraini culture. “The government is really committed to growing sports in the country. You saw it at the Olympics—we were the most successful Arab nation with four medals,” he points out. “There’s a lot of support for sports development here, and we’re benefiting from that.”

Rugby may not yet be a mainstream sport in Bahrain, but with people like Drummond leading the charge, it’s only a matter of time before it starts making bigger waves on the regional and international stage. “For us, it’s all about creating a story of success,” Drummond says. “That’s what keeps people motivated and engaged.”

As the interview wraps up, Drummond reflects on his coaching philosophy: “It’s all about enjoyment. If you love what you’re doing, you’ll give it your best. That’s what I tell my players—have fun, express yourself on the pitch, and the success will follow.”

With that positive mindset, the future of rugby in Bahrain looks brighter than ever. Whether it’s growing grassroots participation or competing for international honours, Bahrain is proving that passion and dedication can go a long way, even in a small country.