British Asian Rugby Association
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Celebrating 20 years of inclusion, heritage & community through rugby. BARA champions equality, diversity, & opportunity for all on and beyond the field.
Proudly preserving stories and inspiring future generations through National Lottery Heritage Fund. The British Asian Rugby Association (BARA) is a dual code, inclusive, UK not-for-profit NGO of ten years standing. It has a history of campaigning for equality and inclusion for Asian communities (not exclusively) in rugby, and has delivered tangible projects which break down cultural and religious barriers and provide sporting benefits to a much under- represented minority ethnic community. BARA's Vision
For all Asian communities to have equal access, enjoyment and success through rugby. BARA's Objectives
To use the power of rugby at home and in south asian countries to create safe, inclusive programmes for children affected by poverty, conflict or family breakdown to access opportunities in education, sport and key life-skills. To use BARA’s status, experience and the role-models of its leaders and ambassadors to develop rugby- led programmes in marginalised communities within the UK and south asian nations, promoting social cohesion, education and health. To campaign for home and overseas rugby unions, clubs and committees to recognise and deliver on their responsibilities for equal inclusion for minority ethnic communities. ENGAGE ENABLE INSPIRE
07/10/2026
It was a pleasure to interview Manny Riaz for Beyond the Try Line - Celebrating Community Heritage in Rugby.
Manny, a dual-code international and one of the finest rugby union forwards ever to represent BARA.
We’re proud to capture Manny’s story as part of the heritage of rugby in our communities. With thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players.
06/10/2026
A programme from BARA’s game against Batley Bulldogs RLFC Bulldogs at Mount Pleasant in March 2007. It’s a reminder of the people, matches and opportunities that have shaped our story over the years.
We’re proud to be capturing these memories through Beyond the Try Line – Celebrating Community Heritage in Rugby. With thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players.
05/10/2026
It was great to sit down with Hafiz Rashid Khan and hear more about his rugby journey. Through Beyond the Try Line, we’re capturing the stories, memories and experiences that have too often gone untold, and celebrating the people who have helped shape rugby in our communities.
Thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and thanks to the National Lottery players.
05/10/2026
It was great to sit down with Hassan Hussain and hear more about his rugby journey. Through Beyond the Try Line, we’re capturing the stories, memories and experiences that have too often gone untold, and celebrating the people who have helped shape rugby in our communities.
Thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and thanks to the National Lottery players.
01/10/2026
This photo takes us back to around early 2000, when our BARA team won the Student Cup against the British Police. Photos like this bring back more than a result. They hold the memories, friendships and stories that might otherwise be lost.
Our chairman, Nigel Goodings, is in this story too. He was not only our chairman, he was a great friend. We miss him, and I’m grateful we can keep his memory alive by sharing moments like this.
Through Beyond the Try Line - Celebrating Community Heritage In Rugby, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we’re preserving these photographs and the stories behind them for the next generation. Thank you to National Lottery players for making this possible.
Outstanding performance yesterday for young Khalid absolutely smashed it and he’s only 11!
Two tries, 28 tackles and 17 hit-ups, plus Coaches’ Man of the Match and the opposition’s Player of the Match.
26/09/2026
250 appearances and counting! Huge congratulations to Boj Sembi, one of our own players, on reaching this brilliant milestone with Old Crossleyans RUFC.
Boj’s journey is part of BARA’s story too. Through Beyond the Try Line, we’re celebrating the people and club connections that make up rugby’s heritage.
The project is made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and thanks to the National Lottery players.
23/09/2026
Every name has a story. Every story is part of our heritage.
Today we recognise Roman Sharma.
Still in his teens, Roman made his professional Super League debut for Huddersfield Giants earlier this season, becoming one of only three South Asian players ever to play in the competition.
An exceptional young talent and a trailblazer for the next generation, Roman has already achieved an important place in British Asian rugby history.
Roman’s full heritage profile and special video interview will follow soon, sharing his rugby journey and experiences in his own words.
Part of BARA’s Beyond the Try Line: Celebrating Community Heritage in Rugby project.
Made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Thanks To National Lottery players.
21/09/2026
Every name has a story. Every story is part of our heritage.
Today we recognise Zakir Hussain.
Zakir is a young player with great potential and is valued members of the BARA family.
Zakir’s full heritage profile and video interviews will follow soon, sharing his rugby journeys and memories in his own words.
Part of BARA’s Beyond the Try Line: Celebrating Community Heritage in Rugby project.
Made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and thanks to the National Lottery players.
20/09/2026
Every name has a story. Every story is part of our heritage.
Today we recognise cousins Salahuddin Khan and Khalid Khan.
Two of our younger trailblazers, Salahuddin and Khalid play for the same team and are valued members of the BARA family.
Salahuddin is a talented playmaker who is also solid in defence, while Khalid is a powerful player who runs hard with the ball and is equally tough defensively.
Their full heritage profiles and special video interviews will follow soon, sharing their rugby journeys and memories in their own words.
Part of BARA’s Beyond the Try Line: Celebrating Community Heritage in Rugby project.
Made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Thanks To The National Lottery players.
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