NEW LOOK, NEW MOOD

Bahrain Rugby Club has come to life again this week with its regular sports and social schedules getting back up to speed after the summer break and players fighting for fitness and action on the field.

The First XV rugby team has been slogging away since early August but with the entire squad now fully in harness, the focus is very much on the opening Gulf Conference clash away to Doha on September 27.

The two sides have become the most familiar of rivals in recent seasons having competed against each other in both the Gulf Conference and the Gulf Top Six contests and with two home wins apiece last season, there was little to choose between them.

This Bahrain team though will have a very different look to it, with a raft of new players in the ranks, a new captain and a new coaching team to boot.

After a five year-stint at the helm of the Bahrain First XV ship that witnessed an end to a lengthy wait for both league and cup success, coach Jim Rowark called time on an extensive career, which also included his time in charge of the Hong Kong national side, at the end of last season.

In a reflection of changes in the game and the increasing levels of commitment needed to fill the role, a team of coaches has been put in place and tasked with getting Bahrain challenging for the top honours once again.

That team is being led by Mr Bahrain RFC himself Bob Phillips, with the assistance of former club captain Chris Matthews, South African Mike Camara and club vice-chairman Andrew Wilkie, who continues as team manager.

Speaking to GulfWeekly, Phillips typically played down his role but admitted he was looking forward to the first game. “At the end of the day, it’s all about the players on the pitch but what we can try and do is put in place a clear pattern for the way we want to play and ensure that everyone buys into that and is comfortable with it.

“Obviously this doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s encouraging to see the developments that have already been made over the last few weeks.

“We’ve still got plenty of work to do before we face Doha but we’re building nicely and we’re keen to get stuck into them.”
On paper, the coaching team makes for an interesting mix of personalities and rugby experiences but one that has already made an impression on the playing squad.

“Yes, pre-season training has been great so far, and it’s not often you hear that said,” explained hooker Arron Dalgarno. “It’s always good in these situations to freshen things up because, like everything, the game is evolving and I think you can see it in the lads that have been around for a few years that they have a spring in their step and are enjoying the training.

“Between these coaches there’s a hell of a lot of experience and knowledge there and it’s great to be able to tap into that and the different elements they bring to the table.

“I think that bodes well for the coming season, especially with the new players that have been brought in and the young lads making the step up.”

The Bahrain RFC first XV will continue their preparations for the Gulf Conference with training at their Janabiya base tonight.

While they will be busy on the pitch, the club’s new sports hall will play host to its first ever Chuckle Club comedy show from 8.30pm.

Bahrain RFC becomes the third venue on the Chuckle Club’s roster having signed up with locally-based Punchline Media for an initial run of four monthly shows.

On the card for this week’s opening night are comedy festival veteran Chris Martin, Canadian funnyman Pete Johansson and British actor and stand-up Stuart Goldsmith.

A limited number of tickets are still available from the club reception, priced at BD13 for members and BD15 for non-members.

The Chuckle Club provides the perfect build-up to a weekend being touted as the official kick-off to the new season at Bahrain RFC, with a host of live sport, music and entertainment lined up for this coming Friday.

The Arabian Celts GAA Club welcomes the ladies and gents from the Naomh Allee Riyadh club for a special challenge series from 2pm, which is also the start time for the inaugural Bahrain RFC Darts Open. It will see almost 20 teams from all over the island compete for a host of cash prizes.

The Bahrain Golden Oldies are in action yet again at 7pm as they take on old rivals Al Khobar and once all the sporting action draws to a close, the one-and-only ‘Paddyman’ will be performing live.

For more information on any of the events at Bahrain RFC, contact info@bahrainrfc.com