Kastamonu University and the Turkish Rugby Federation signed a cooperation protocol covering sports education, research, infrastructure development, and scientific publication activities. 
Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, hosted the President of the Turkish Rugby Federation, Nahit Şahin, in his office on June 19, 2025.  

During the visit, the Dean of the Faculty of Sports Sciences, Prof. Dr. Bilgehan Baydil, the Deputy Chairman of the Turkish Rugby Federation, Engin Kömürcü, the athletes of our University's Women's Rugby Team who achieved first place in the Turkish Rugby Championship, and the team coach, Sercan Hükümen, were also attended  

As part of the conducted meeting, a cooperation protocol was signed between our University and the Turkish Rugby Federation. The protocol envisions a multifaceted collaboration covering sports education, performance tests, coaching practices, infrastructure activities, talent screenings, scientific research, and academic publications.

Within the framework of the agreement, our University's Faculty of Sports Sciences will offer specialized and elective courses in the branches needed by the federation; students will have the opportunity to conduct coaching practices in the field with the support of the federation.

Additionally, our University will actively participate in talent screenings, infrastructure camps, and performance tests organized by the federation. The protocol, which also values the scientific aspect, will include academic activities such as joint projects, publications, and the preparation of educational materials.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, our Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal emphasized that they value not only the academic but also the physical and sports development of young people, saying, "Thanks to this collaboration with the Turkish Rugby Federation, our students will have greater access to practical training opportunities and will also have the chance to get acquainted with the scientific aspects of sports." 

The President of the Turkish Rugby Federation, Nahit Şahin, stated that the protocol is an important step for the development of the rugby branch, saying, "Collaborating with Kastamonu University is a significant gain for our federation. "With this protocol, we will continue to produce together in many areas, primarily coach and athlete training, as well as performance tests and scientific publications," he stated.

The visit concluded with the University Women's Rugby Team presenting the championship trophy to our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, and a commemorative photo taken in memory of the day.