The Lao Rugby Federation (LRF) was formed in 2001. Since then, the LRF has gone on to gain full membership of World Rugby, full membership of Asia Rugby, and, most importantly, registration with the Elite Sports Department of the Lao Ministry of Education and Sports. The LRF is the governing body for all rugby union activities within the Lao PDR. LRF activities are focused on developing the sport through a school and community development programme, supporting domestic and elite teams to improve and developing a sound structure to provide transparent and accountable financial and administrative support to the sport. The LRF mission is: To provide opportunities for men and women, boys and girls, social and elite players and those in urban and rural areas to participate in the sport of rugby union, whilst ensuring that health benefits and personal development opportunities are realised to their fullest extent. The LRF understands that this can only be achieved by ensuring that we have the necessary capacities to deliver high quality playing and participation opportunities; this involves engagement with the government, communities, businesses, schools and other institutions to provide sustainable access to participation (playing and non-playing) opportunities.