Asia Sevens Trophy on March 3 and 4

THE Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy will be held at the Aspire ground on March 3 and 4.

The competition, hosted by the Qatar Rugby Federation (QRF), is part of an annual series of regional sevens tournaments. This year’s edition will feature 11 teams after Lebanon pulled out due to financial constraints.

“The sport has seen a rise in Qatar in the last few years. I appreciate the work done by the QRF to popularise it. I also thank Yousef Al Kuwari (QRF chief) for his dedicated leadership. I wish the tournament a big success,” said Asia Rugby’s Secretary General Qais Abdulla Dhalai of the UAE, who was present at the draw ceremony in Doha last week.

Teams are divided into four groups, with Group C featuring only UAE and India after Lebanon pulled out. UAE and India will play each other twice.

“It’s a proud moment for the QRF to host the prestigious event. I thank Asia Rugby for reposing its faith in us. I’m confident we’ll have a successful tournament,” said Al Kuwari.

The competition will have Cup, Plate and Bowls finals. The Cup winners, besides getting promotion to the Asia Rugby Sevens Series will also have a chance to qualify for the World Rugby Sevens Cup in San Francisco, the US, next year.

QRF Director Omran Al Sherawi hoped the competition would further boost the sport’s popularity in the country as well as the region.

“The tournament will help the sport grow. Rugby is very popular in Europe and some other parts of the world. We want to create a similar atmosphere in Qatar by hosting such international events,” said Al Sherawi.

The matches are scheduled to start at 1.15pm on both days.