The 2016 Asian Rugby tri nations Division III Championship will be hosted by Qatar Rugby Federation at the Aspire warm-up and purpose built rugby track on 16, 19 and 22 May. The matches will kick off at 6.00pm, 7.00pm and 6.00pm respectively. This will be the first Asia Rugby Championship in Doha since it changed its name from the Asia Five Nation (A5N) in 2015.
“The QRF is delighted at the opportunity to host the Asia Rugby Championship and welcoming Iran and Lebanon’s national rugby teams to Doha. I hope they will enjoy our city and the international playing facilities provided by Aspire,” said Qatar Rugby President Yousef al-Kuwari.
The Asian Rugby Championship will provide the newly-appointed federation with the biggest challenge so far. Kuwari said: “This is Qatar’s chance to display to the world how far we have developed with rugby in particular over the last eight months. As much as it may be a challenge in hosting the rugby championship, it’s equally exciting for the federation. Asia and World rugby have so many rules and stipulations but we will not fail in our performance.”
The QRF general secretary Ali al-Malki said: “This will be a perfect opportunity for Qatar to join hands and expose our talents both on and off the field. I encourage every Qatari and sports fan to attend the matches at Aspire and barrack for our national team.
Al-Malki continued “I also extend an invite all expats to help create an atmosphere that only rugby can achieve. I call on in particular the two communities of Iran and Lebanon to attend and cheer on their home teams”.
The Qatar national rugby team is currently in training for the Asian Championship and the playing national squad will not be known until next week. One hopeful player who has been in form all year long Qataris is powerhouse Rakan Mutawaa. The Qatar rugby sevens sensation said: “Prior to this the Asia Rugby Sevens was the biggest thing of my life but this is has become the greatest highlight of my short rugby career. I am happy to be part of the training squad for the nationals fifteens. It’s an awesome feeling. I just hope that I do enough through the trials to prove I am ready for this level.”
When pressed about his rugby success, he said: “I am thankful that God has blessed me with talented and caring coaching and administration teams. I also thank my teammates who continuously help me to understand the game without them I would not be the player I am today.”
The Qatar Rugby Federation, the Qatar Olympic Committee and Asia Rugby (AR) have all endorsed and sanctioned the Asia Rugby Championship. Inquiries about the tournament should be directed to QRF Senior Coordinator Samuel Rico 33962547.
