Costa Rica is closer to gaining Full World Rugby membership status, reports Sudamérica Rugby. The Central American Republic is seeking admission by rugby’s global governing body. A decision will be made in November.

World Rugby is considering the Federación de Rugby de Costa Rica’s candidacy thanks in large part to a request from Sudamérica Rugby President Marcelo Rodríguez. The Head of the South American governing body commented that:

“Costa Rica has a dedicated rugby union. It would be, with growth, a union of consolidated governance. It was a genuine pleasure and an honor to be able to talk about the country’s rugby history of success and also that my colleagues will approve the election of Costa Rica as a full member to the Council for the final decision.”

If Costa Rica does obtain Full World Rugby membership status it will become the first country of Central America to do so. This would be a tremendous accomplishment not only for Costa Rica but for aspiring unions throughout the region.

Over time Belize, El Salvador Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama may all follow Costa Rica. Of them Guatemala is to join Costa Rica in competing in the 2018 Sudamerica 4 Naciones B. Nicaragua joined international competition this year while Honduras is to do so in 2018.

Full World Rugby membership brings with it many benefits. Among this is being involved in the qualification process for Rugby World Cups, Rugby World Cup 7’s and other high-proile tournaments.

From the Americas Argentina and Canada have competed at every Rugby World Cup. They were joined by the USA to give the Americas three teams at the inaugural tournament in 1987. The USA has played at all subsequent tournaments with the exception of 1995. Uruguay played in 1999, 2003 and 2015.

At the inaugural Rugby World Cup the 16 participants were Argentina, Australia, Canada, England, Fiji, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Romania, Scotland, Tonga, USA, Wales and Zimbabwe.

Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay all made their first appearances in qualifying ahead of Rugby World Cup 1991, doing so in 1989. Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela are the Sudamérica Rugby members to have done so since then. Costa Rica hopes to become the latest to join the list, in time for Rugby World Cup 2023.