Mongolian Nomads

Prior to MRFU's establishment in 2003, there was virtually no rugby in Mongolia, a rugby ball was an object of wonder. Some of the more travelled or those with satellite TV were aware of the game, and some thought it was a poor man's version of American Football (as most channels show American shows). It was considered 'poor' because it meant that you couldn't afford all the gear and the padding, and no one was stupid enough to play 'that' game without some form of protection, were they? In Mongolia sport generally refers to the three manly pursuits (Naadam), wrestling, archery and horse riding. More recently Sumo wrestling has become a well known and most watched competition on TV through the success of two Mongolians who are Yokozunas (the grand champion) both dominating the Japanese Sumo wrestling as well as basketball and football (soccer) growing in popularity specially amongst Mongolian youths. As the country's national sport is wrestling, it is particularly suitable to Mongolians and currently there are young as well as experienced wrestlers playing rugby in Mongolia.

In March 2005, for the first time The Mongolian Rugby team travelled to Philippines to participate in Manila 10s and Hong Kong to participate in Kowloon Tens rugby tournaments. That year Mongolian Rugby team became the "team of the week" on Star Sports and Mongolian rugby player, D.Gankhuyag became the player of the tournament in Kowloon Tens.

The Mongolian's potential was further illustrated in 2006 Manila 10s and Kowloon Tens where the team won Bronze from Kowloon Tens. Mongolian development squad travelled to Beijing Ice Breaker tournament in March 2007 and won the bronze medal. Rugby in Mongolia is quite seasonal, as the outside temperature varies from +30 or more in the summer to -30 or below in the winter. MRFU encourages clubs and teams that are interested in travelling to Mongolia for rugby. MRFU has hosted rugby games for touring clubs from Beijing, Hong Kong, France and others in recent past.

The MRFU is working towards developing rugby as one of country's main sports and become one of the strongest rugby nations in Asia in the near future.

Text and images courtesy: Austin Gansukh