INTERNATIONAL: The Cambodia Federation of Rugby (CFR) and a global organisation involved with the sport have started working together to develop rugby in Cambodia.

The CFR and ChildFund Rugby announced early this week the launching of the Reconnect Programme, an initiative that seeks to produce top-notch players ahead of international rugby competitions.

In November 2021, Tourism Minister Thong Khon, who is also the president of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia, announced that Cambodia won the right to host the 5th Asian Youth Games (AYG) in 2029.

The AYG is a multi-sport event held every four years by the Olympic Council of Asia.

Cambodia is planning to field a rugby squad for the 2029 AYG.

The implementation of the programme commenced with the holding of the 1st Reconnect Rugby Tournament. The competition was held on February 13 at the Chea Sim Boeng Keng Kang High School in Phnom Penh.

“The main goal of the programme is to teach young kids about the basics of the sport, for them to understand and learn more about the techniques in rugby,” Lun Samedy, vice president of CFR, said.

Last month, the CFR signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ChildFund Rugby that will see the two organisations working together to promote and develop rugby in the Kingdom.

Under the MoU, ChildFund Rugby will assist in the management and training of Cambodian rugby players. At the same time, it will assist in promoting rugby among children, especially orphans.

ChildFund Rugby will also set aside some funding to help the CFR carry out its mandate within a period of four years.

“This is a very good thing for us, as we lack the necessary funding and training to fully develop the sport in Cambodia,” Pich Ratana, secretary-general of CFR, said during the signing ceremony.

These collaborations involve supplying more than 500 coaches and other rugby-related assistance to these countries, including Cambodia, according to international media reports.