Rugby union inKyrgyzstan is a minor but growing sport.
Rugby union was played inthe Russian Empire as early as in 1908. In 1934 the Moscow Championship was started, and in 1936 the firstSoviet Championship took place.
In 1949, rugby union was forbidden in the USSR during the "fight against thecosmopolitanism". The competitions were resumed in 1957, and the Soviet Championship in 1966. In 1975 theSoviet national team played their first match.[1]
Kyrgyz rugby, like that ofUzbekistan is mainly confined to the military and universities, although there is a schools programme underway.[2] Kazakhstan has been a major impetus for rugby growth in the region (Almaty had a team in the Soviet league, and they also have a formidable women's team), and has been a major factor in keeping the game going in its neighbouring countries. For years, most of Kyrgyzstan's games, formal, or informal were against Kazakhstan, or Kazakh teams.[2]
The Union has formed a Rugby Academy inBishkek, Kyrgyzstan, in order to improve the game, as well as forming a schools program.[2] However, the government is reluctant to fund the sport, as it is not currently recognised by the Olympics.[2]
Currently they take part in the Central Asian region of theAsian Five Nations.
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