This year’s Beach Rugby Challenge will take place on National Sport Day at the Cultural Village Foundation - Katara Beach No.4.
Beach touch rugby is a non-contact, fast-moving game that is suitable for adults or children. It is a safe, soft-contact sport full of fast-moving ball action. The Qatar Rugby Federation (QRF) encourages all clubs and playing organisations to look to organise regular touch rugby activity to increase fitness and participation.
Talking about the competition, which will be held on Tuesday, February 9, the QRF president Yousef al-Kuwari said, “The aim of the competition is to provide a fun, family-friendly event with a healthy amount of competitiveness.”
Al-Kuwari added: “The beach challenge has attracted fourteen teams this year including, clubs, schools and corporate entities such as Woqod. It is a great opportunity for the whole family and community to get involved in a great sport and have a fantastic day down on the beach.”
The open men’s division will consist of four groups playing a minimum of three games before advancing to the knock out stages of the event. Games are played 5 on 5 and run for five minutes per half, with an interval of one minute.
QRF general secretary Ali al-Malki said, “We have added rules and regulations from both the rugby and international touch laws. This was designed so to allow those who never played rugby before to understand the game with ease and enjoy the sport. All games will be officiated by qualified rugby referees.”
Al-Malki continued, “Katara beach is a world class facility that will be filled by a spectacular sports atmosphere on the day. The beach touch rugby challenge will be one of many sports on display.”
QRF co-ordinator Samuel Rico said, “Touch rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in the world with over eighty nations now participating. The game has been enthralling spectators and wooing sponsors for decades. This year we are very thankful to our partners Katara, Woqod, Integrated Engagement Communication and catering sponsors Nando’s, who understand the value of health and fitness through sport.”
Competition on the day will kick off at 8.00am and conclude by 5.00pm. There will be food and drinks available all weekend along with music and kids entertainment. All registered teams will receive complementary playing shirts.