The Qatar Rugby Federation (QRF) and Asia Rugby held a joint media conference with the captains from all three participating nations (Qatar, Iran and Lebanon) yesterday at Doha’s Copthorne Hotel.
Asia Rugby consultant Aaron Stockdale was extremely satisfied with the overall set up, planning and organisation of the event by the QRF. He said, “I take my hat off to the QRF for a splendid job. I am aware that Asia Rugby has set rules in place and at times can prove too demanding. Full credit to (QRF president) Yousef (al-Kuwari), (QRF general secretary) Ali (al-Malki) and Sam (senior co-ordinator Samuel Rico) who I know are all hands-on people. They have brought rugby to the forefront in Qatar and should be commended on their work. They have also exceeded Asia Rugby’s expectations meeting all criteria and standards.”
Commenting about the facilities Stockdale, who is also the Asia Rugby tournament director, said, “I have seen many parts of the world including this region and I have not seen the standard of facilities that Aspire has provided for this championship. The pitch is immaculate, the grass is perfectly raised, the amenities are ideal and overall it is a fantastic facility second to none. I think the QRF and Aspire Zone Foundation have formed a great partnership and it’s exactly the partnership that Asia Rugby seeks from its unions.”
The Asia Rugby representative continued saying, “I am also aware of the strong support the federation receives from the Qatar Olympic Committee. At a time when the financial crises are affecting a greater part of the world it’s very important that governments support rugby and its grassroots development. Rugby is now an Olympic sport and an investment in rugby is an investment in an Olympic dream.”
QRF senior co-ordinator Samuel Rico said, “We are delighted to welcome Asia Rugby, Iran and Lebanon to Qatar. Their presence has sparked a rugby fever keeping us all busy. The QRF wishes all teams a successful and safe tournament and we thank Asia Rugby for the opportunity to host this championship.”
The Qatar national Rugby captain Tom Featherstone echoed Rico words saying, “Full credit to our federation for putting on such a spectacle and to my team for a great win. It was fantastic to win by that margin. Iran is certainly not easy beats. They are very physical and they keep coming at you. They are a youthful side and in the coming years they will be a force.”
Featherstone praised Qatari newcomer Rakan Mutawaa. He said, “It is always good to see local talent playing rugby. Rakan is no exception. He has top speed and good skills. He is an asset to Qatar and the national team. I hope the federation can breed a few more like him.”
Iranian captain Mohamed Reza said, “We are a young team and we played a better, more professional side. Qatar was strong and powerful. Our young boys are of no match. But for us the loss is not important, what is important is that we learn from the experience.
“We need to work on reducing our mistakes rather than be pressured and anxious, we should enjoy playing rugby and be on the pitch in front of the screaming Qatar crowd.”
Lebanon’s vice-captain Ray Finan said, “We are excited to be in Qatar. We have been waiting to play them (Qatar) for some time now. We have won this division three years straight and have not met the Qatar team.”
Speaking about the Iranian team, he said, “We watched them play last Saturday and their style is very physical. I believe we can outplay them as we have done before. They have a developing side and in 5 years’ time they will be a much different team.”
Iran will meet Lebanon in the second match of the Asia Rugby Division III championship today evening at 7pm at the Aspire warm up and purpose built rugby track.
It’s a must-win match for Iran, considering a loss will knock them out of contention. The match will be attended by Iranian ambassador Mohamed Javad Asayesh Zarchi.