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A scrum of Bahraini sports-enthusiasts is driving ahead with a desire to stamp a mark on the world of rugby and represent the kingdom in future tournaments.
Rugby Union, sometimes referred to as ‘the game played in heaven’ has been popular in the kingdom for years supported by expats living and working on the island, but now locals too have been bitten by the bug.
The sport is popular across the globe with intensive competition in Argentina, Australia, England, France, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa and Wales and, for the uninitiated, it showcases a combination of strength, speed and strategy. Players must pass and carry an oval-shaped ball over the line or kick it between H-shaped goal posts to score.
Ahmed Shehabi, 26, a police officer from Arad, fell in love with the game after watching it on television. After trying his hand at it at the Bahrain Rugby Football Club (BRFC) in Janabiya he was soon hooked.
He said: “It’s a tough sport and there’s nothing quite like it in Bahrain. You used to see a lot of expats playing it at the rugby club but few locals, if any. Traditionally, Bahrainis play football, basketball, volleyball or handball.
“But I saw some guys playing it at the rugby club and asked if I could play. This was about two years ago and I’ve never looked back. I truly believe as more Bahrainis get to know the game, they will love it too.”
Shehabi started as BRFC’s only Bahraini in its squad, competing in local and international competitions. Now he is putting his sporting knowledge to good use as the captain of the first fully-fledged Bahraini squad, which is currently being coached and supported by club chairman, Mehdi Honar.
Head coach for BRFC’s minis and first team manager, Ian Davis, believes that the Bahrain squad is in good hands under the leadership of Shehabi. Davis said: “Sheb is a strong squad member and his dedication and commitment at training and matches is outstanding. He is a well-respected, fully committed member of our team and I will be watching keenly to see how this Bahrain side progresses.”
Currently there are 12 players on the Bahraini rugby team, with ages ranging from 22 to 30. They are competing in seven-a-side games presently with the hope of growing into a squad to play full 15-a-side rugby in the near future.
Honar said: “We have Bahrainis and Bahraini teams participating in several sporting activities in the kingdom and in international tournaments so I do not see why they could not do the same in rugby!
“I wanted to start a team to promote the sport of Rugby Union among the Bahraini youth and adults. We have had several people express an interest and thought it was time to develop a side in its own right.”
The players first put their skills to the test during a New Year’s Day Seven-a-Side Fun Touch Rugby Tournament and, according to Honar, the boys performed impressively well.
He said: “They competed against experienced expatriate rugby players and despite a lack of game time they won one of their three games during the tournament. Although they are not ready yet to participate in full contact games, this was a good start and they showed commitment for future events such as the Dubai Sevens Tournament and, maybe, one day, even the Olympics!”
The Bahraini squad is now training once-a-week in preparation for the annual Dubai Sevens challenge set to be held in December. This competition is part of the World Rugby Sevens Series.
* Those interested in joining the team can contact BRFC on 17695809 or email info@bahrainrfc.com
