Yerevan Lions Face Iran National Team as Armenian Club Continues Efforts to Revive Rugby

Armenian rugby club Yerevan Lions played another international match on October 4, facing the Iranian national rugby team in Yerevan. The visitors claimed a 28–7 victory.

The match marked another important milestone in the development of rugby in Armenia. Despite the defeat, Yerevan Lions welcomed the occasion, highlighting its role in strengthening sporting and friendly relations between the two countries.

"October 4th will always be a special day for Yerevan Lions Rugby Club as we had the honor of playing against the Iranian National Rugby Team! After 80 minutes of hard-fought rugby, Iran secured a 28–7 victory. Congratulations to our Iranian brothers on a well-deserved win!" the club stated.

"More importantly, this match brought two brotherly nations together through rugby, respect, and friendship," Yerevan Lions added.

The club also expressed gratitude to both national rugby federations and the Hakobyan family for supporting the event and extending warm Armenian hospitality to the Iranian delegation.

From Their First Victory to Facing a National Team

Yerevan Lions was founded in 2025 with the aim of reviving rugby in Armenia and promoting the sport among younger generations.

The Yerevan-based club played its first international match in May 2026 against Cypriot side AEL Limassol, securing an impressive 43–12 victory.

Five months later, Yerevan Lions had the opportunity to test themselves against Iran's national team.

The club has therefore played two international matches within a matter of months, taking important steps toward rebuilding Armenian rugby.

The Main Goal: Rebuilding Armenia's National Rugby Team

Rugby has a long history in Armenia. The sport began developing in the country during the 1960s, when clubs such as Dinamo and Spartak helped establish its foundations.

However, rugby faced significant challenges following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Armed conflicts and economic difficulties contributed to the sport's gradual decline. Subsequent revival efforts failed to produce lasting results, and in 2014, Rugby Europe suspended the Armenian Rugby Federation's membership due to inactivity.

Yerevan Lions is now working to reverse that decline. Alongside its senior team, the club is developing a youth program that welcomes both boys and girls. This season, young players have also been offered the opportunity to train free of charge.

Head coach Armen Makaryan has previously identified rebuilding Armenia's national rugby team as one of the club's long-term objectives. Achieving that goal will require developing local players and creating opportunities for regular training and international competition.

"We are trying to revive rugby in our homeland," Yerevan Lions representatives told Armenian Sports News.

The matches against Cyprus' AEL Limassol and Iran's national team demonstrate how the Armenian club is gradually expanding its international connections while working to bring rugby back into the country's sporting landscape.