Asia Rugby’s commitment to invest in growing the game and supporting its member unions, got a boost when they today announced that Jordanian expat, Ghaith Jalajel as the new West Asia Regional Development Officer to support unions in West Asia with effect from 1st September 2019.

Speaking on his new role Jalajel said:

“I am fortunate to have filled the West Asia Development Consultant role from 2014 – 2018, and I am familiar with the role requirements. My main role is working with National Governing Bodies in West Asia and provide support to their Development, Strategic and Training and Education plans. There is a small focus on domestic competitions but more from a compliance point of view than running the competitions on their behalves.”

Jalajel moved to the Emirates from Jordan back in 2004 where he worked as an Arabic speaking development officer for the Arabian Gulf Rugby Football Union (now UAERF) where he supported the Qatari National 7’s team during the 2006 Asian Games in doha. His role quickly developed as the AGRFU transitioned into what we now know as the UAE Rugby Federation, which saw him progress through various positions with Jordan Rugby Union (manager) and Harlequins rugby club in Abu Dhabi (director of rugby).

His main involvement with Asia Rugby started back in 2014 where he was appointed West Asia Development Officer where he held the position for 4 years before making the move over to Emirates where he assisted in the setup of Gulf Rugby Management (GRM) working as Competitions Manager.

Now Jalajel is back in his familiar role at Asia Rugby, seeing him work under the guidance of Ben van Rooyen, who left the Emirates to work in his current post as Asia Rugby’s Rugby Development Consultant.

Having worked closely with Ghaith, Yalla Rugby and the wider rugby community would like to wish him all the best in his new role.