Rugby showdown

Bahrain Rugby Club is counting down the days to the 1st XV’s opening home fixture of the season, writes Sam Wilson.

The action will kick off at 8pm on Thursday, October 4, and the players are hoping to draw a big crowd to give them an advantage over Gulf rivals Muscat.

The visitors to the club’s facilities in Janabiyah gave Bahrain a stern test only to succumb to fairly narrow defeats both home and away last season.

Both teams will be sure to spring a few surprises in the new season, but it is Bahrain that have led the way in player recruitment over the summer with no fewer than 10 new faces in the squad.

Confidence has been building throughout a tough pre-season training schedule which will continue until the Muscat fixture.

The addition of three players actively recruited from ambitious English National 3 side, Ampthill, has raised the hopes of everyone involved in the club.

The huge figure of Richard Muncaster has been brought in to shore up Bahrain`s scrum, while his right hand man Tom Jankowski will be utilised in the back row position with his immense ball carrying skills.

Perhaps the most impressive signing to date has been the lively fly-half Luke Radley who has recently been involved with such highly-rated rugby academies as the Bedford Blues and Loughborough Students. Radley brings pace, vision and an educated right boot to the team that they so dearly missed in last season`s campaign.

The club are calling on all supporters to come along and help provide a festive atmosphere on a rare Thursday evening outing.

Chairman Mehdi Honar said: “The first home game of the season is always a much anticipated event, but with so many improvements to our club facilities over the summer and the positive vibe coming from the boosted quality in the squad, the match and evening should be a cracker! We hope that many of our members will get behind the team and as always we welcome all newcomers to enjoy a night of rugby entertainment and warm hospitality that the Bahrain RFC provides in our own unique way.”

The Bahrain RFC 1st XV are also looking to make their presence felt off the field by hosting a Junior Sports Open Day at the club from 9am until noon this Friday.

Lots of fun games and activities related to junior sports offered at the club including rugby, football and Gaelic Football will be scattered around the two large grass fields as well as the artificial pitch situated directly in front of the clubhouse.

Cricket and netball games will be offered on the club’s large court area and children are free to cool off afterwards in the club’s 25-metre pool.

“Once again all members are encouraged to participate and for the day non-members are welcome to attend free of charge,” added Honar.