British Asian Rugby Association

The British Asian Rugby Association (BARA) is delighted to welcome Abacus Tax Advisors Ltd as an official sponsor of our playing kit and t-shirts.

Founded by Ishtiaq Farooqui, Abacus are a leading and highly respected firm in accounting and tax advisory, known for their professionalism, expertise, and commitment to supporting the community.

Their support will see the Abacus brand proudly featured on our kit, helping us continue our work promoting inclusion, diversity, and opportunity through rugby.

Dr Ikram Butt, Founder of BARA, said:

‘We are delighted to have Abacus Tax Advisors Ltd on board as an official sponsor. They are a highly respected organisation, and I’m grateful for the support of all our sponsors who play a vital role in helping us grow the game and reach more communities.’

Ishtiaq Farooqui, added:

‘We’re proud to support BARA and the important work they do in the community. It’s a privilege to be part of a journey that inspires and creates opportunities.’

Together, building stronger communities through sport.

Beyond the Try Line

This Vaisakhi, we’re proud to celebrate not just our game, but our shared journey, heritage, and community.

For 20 years, the British Asian Rugby Association (BARA) has worked to open doors, tell stories, and inspire the next generation, on and beyond the field.

‘Beyond the Try Line – Celebrating Community Heritage in Rugby’ reflects our commitment to preserving the rich history and contributions of South Asian communities within the sport.

We are grateful for the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, made possible thanks to National Lottery players, in helping us share and safeguard these important stories.

Let’s continue to honour the past, celebrate the present, and build an inclusive future together.

Happy Easter to all those celebrating.

At BARA (British Asian Rugby Association), we continue to reflect on the power of community, heritage, and inclusion within rugby and beyond.

As we mark this special time of year, we are proud to be delivering Beyond the Try Line – Celebrating Community Heritage in Rugby, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

This work is about more than sport, it is about preserving stories, challenging barriers, representation and inspiring the next generation.

Wishing everyone a joyful, peaceful, and blessed Easter.

Today we mark the Gurpurab of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and reflect on the life and legacy of a leader whose vision of justice equality and service continues to inspire generations.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s creation of the Khalsa was a defining moment in history rooted in courage collective responsibility and standing up against oppression. These are not just historical principles. They are living values that continue to shape our communities today.

Through our heritage work at the British Asian Rugby Association we are committed to preserving and sharing stories that have too often been overlooked. Honouring figures such as Guru Gobind Singh Ji is part of recognising the wider South Asian heritage that has helped shape identity resilience and participation both within society and within sport.

Our heritage project is about more than the past. It is about ensuring future generations understand where they come from take pride in their identity and feel a sense of belonging in spaces like rugby that have not always reflected them.

On this Gurpurab we remember the importance of dignity unity and courage and recommit ourselves to building a more inclusive future grounded in history understanding and respect.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Some friendships are bigger than time, careers, or titles, they are rooted in shared history, community, and belonging.

Pictured here with my brother and lifelong best friend Matloob Khan. Our journey together goes back over 50 years, growing up side by side, shaped by shared experiences, values, and heritage. Long before conversations about inclusion and representation became mainstream, sport gave us a space to belong, connect, and build bonds that have lasted a lifetime.

The second photo takes me right back to our Leeds City Boys U11s days. A talented group of young players, some outstanding footballers, and many who remain friends to this day. We were proud to represent the city and play in a curtain raiser at Knowles Road, on a memorable day when both Leeds teams were victorious. Moments like that mattered they showed young lads from diverse backgrounds that we had a place in the game.

Thanks to support from the The National Lottery Heritage Fund, through Beyond the Try Line – Celebrating Community Heritage in Rugby, we are now able to capture, preserve, and share stories like these. Stories of friendship, community, and the often-overlooked contribution of South Asian communities to rugby and sport more widely.

This work is about more than nostalgia. It’s about recognising our past, honouring our heritage, and ensuring these stories are not lost but passed on to future generations.

Great to see this featured on the England Rugby website. Thanks to Marissa Lowe & Jatin Patel for allowing us to capture the spirit of heritage, unity and an inclusive future.

Their latest journey to Mumbai under Tour Director Mick Johal was not a new venture, but a continuation of a valued partnership that has strengthened the sport’s development across South Asia for generations.

British Asian Rugby Association: heritage, unity and an inclusive future | Rugby Football Union The British Asian Rugby Association (BARA) recently competed in the Bombay Gymkhana International Rugby 10s tournament, showcasing the best of British Asian rugby.

Delighted to share festive greetings from the British Asian Rugby Association celebrating 20 years of heritage, community and impact.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, with thanks to the The National Lottery Heritage Fund for supporting our journey and heritage.

Delighted to share our new BARA brand identity

As we celebrate South Asian Heritage and contribution, we’re proud to unveil the refreshed British Asian Rugby Association (BARA) logo, presented alongside the The National Lottery Heritage Fund, recognising heritage, contribution, and shared histories within Britain.

The BARA logo represents belonging, unity, and British identity. While rooted in the lived experiences and journeys of South Asian communities, it stands firmly for inclusion, togetherness, and opportunity for all. Set against the Union Flag, it reflects the belief that our diverse histories are not separate from Britain’s story, they are part of it.

As we mark 20 years of BARA through Beyond the Try Line – Celebrating Community Heritage in Rugby, this branding reinforces our commitment to celebrating heritage while building a game, and a society, where everyone feels they belong.

Thank you to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players for helping make this work possible.

Happy Gurpurab

Today, we honour the divine light of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, whose timeless message of equality, compassion, and service inspires us all.

At BARA, his teachings affirm the power of representation, belonging, and togetherness, values that strengthen our communities and the spirit of rugby.

As we celebrate the Parkash Purab, we reflect on the guiding principles of Kirt Karo (earn an honest living), Naam Japo (remember God), and Vand Chhako (share with others). These values echo through our mission: to champion visibility, build unity, and create spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and at home, on and off the field.

May this day renew our commitment to compassion, fairness, and collective growth, and to preserving the rich heritage that shapes who we are together.