Finnish Rugby Federation



The Finnish Rugby Federation (SRL) (Finnish: Suomen Rugby liitto) is recognised by the Finnish National Olympic Committee as the national governing body for rugby in Finland.

The Finnish Rugby Federation represents rugby in Finland, the International Rugby Board as well as in the European Rugby Association FIRA-AER. The SRL was founded in 1968 and its members are the Finnish rugby clubs.

The SRL has 11 active member clubs, the most recent of which is the Kuopio Rugby Club. A rugby club in Kemi is in its infancy and has yet to achieve membership status of the SRL.

Match Officials are provided by the Finland Rugby Referees Association.

Its mission is to develop the sport in Finland and support the local clubs. It is responsible for the Men's XV's National Team, Women's XV's National Team, Women's 7's National Team, the Under 20's National Team and the Under 17's National Team. The SRL also administers and organizes the Finnish Championship League, Finnish Cup, Womens' Finnish Cup and the Finnish Junior Championship (Under 18s). Currently, Finland is ranked 95th in the IRB world standings.

The interest in Rugby has increased in recent years and the number of new players is increasing again after a slight decline. The SRL strongly believes that rugby has a future in Finland, where team and contact sports are appreciated. This is indicated by significant financial and organisational support by the Finnish Ministry of Education and local council sport departments.

The SRL has been recognised as a support member of the Suomen Liikunta ja Ureheilu, having been given support member status on 27 January 2011.