Asia Rugby signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Asia Pacific Lions to power the team to take on a Premiership Rugby Club from England.
Asia Pacific Lions (APL) to Ignite Passion for Rugby with Barbarians Concept
In a ground breaking move for rugby in the region, the Asia Pacific Lions (APL) have unveiled an ambitious vision to inspire the next generation of players through a unique Barbarians-style concept. This initiative was solidified with a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between APL and Asia Rugby on December 1, 2024 in the presence of Qais Al Dhalai & Benjamin Van Roovyen (President & CEO Asia Rugby), Jazal Marzook (Chairman DASA Group UK) and Saabir Cader (Founding Director Asia Pacific Lions Rugby), during the final day of the HSBC Dubai 7s at the iconic Sevens Stadium.
Spearheaded by Saabir Cader, Director of SC Global Consultancy, the APL aims to assemble a star-studded rugby team comprising players from Asia Rugby’s 36 member unions and Pacific Islanders. Drawing inspiration from the globally renowned Barbarians Rugby model, the APL seeks to celebrate rugby’s spirit of camaraderie, skill, and sportsmanship.
The initial plan envisions the team playing two pre-season matches against a Premiership Club in the UK, hosted in the rugby-loving island of Sri Lanka. This milestone marks the first step in the APL’s broader aspirations, which include facing off against a Super Rugby team in the future.
With its innovative approach and cross-regional collaboration, the APL aims to elevate rugby’s profile in Asia and the Pacific while inspiring young athletes to embrace the sport and its values.
The proposal has gained robust support from the Asia Rugby Executive Committee, highlighting its potential to reshape Asian rugby while boosting Sri Lanka’s sports economy. Saabir Cader’s vision for the Asia Pacific Lions (APL) is part of a comprehensive plan to reignite passion for rugby in Sri Lanka and integrate it more closely with the global rugby community.
A former Zahira Rugby 7s captain, Cader combines his sporting background with an impressive academic and professional portfolio. He holds a BA in Sport Management and Rugby Studies from Buckinghamshire New University, a BA (Hons) in International Business from Coventry University, and an MSc in International Sport Management from Birmingham City University. His master’s dissertation, Transformational Leadership for Diversity and Inclusion (D&I): A Case Study of the Rugby Football Union (RFU) (England Rugby) and a Call to Expand its Core Values, earned distinction and was presented to Jatin Patel, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at England Rugby, at Twickenham.
With expertise in sports management and strategic leadership, Cader is well-positioned to spearhead the APL initiative, aiming to elevate Sri Lanka’s standing in the global rugby arena. Earlier this year, he played a pivotal role in inviting Wallaby World Cup winner David Campese to participate in the Centenary Rugby Celebrations of Zahira College, underscoring his commitment to advancing rugby in Sri Lanka.
The two games are set to be played in August 2025 and Asia Rugby has shown their backing by signing a MoU with Cader and his new venture SC Global Consultancy.
This initiative will also help Sri Lanka Tourism with their intentions of expanding Sports Tourism in the Island and will help Sri Lanka’s recovery towards strengthen its GDP growth in the years to come.
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