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HSBC Rugby Ambassador Jason Robinson is set for his maiden visit of Doha to support the growth of local rugby at the HSBC Rugby Festival Doha today. |
The annual one-day festival is one of the highlights on the Doha rugby calendar, and will host over 400 junior rugby players and hundreds of spectators from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Bahrain and Doha at the Doha Rugby Football Centre.
The 2003 World Cup Winner Robinson will lend his expertise to a series of coaching sessions with junior rugby players to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle for the competitors spanning five age groups.
“We are delighted to welcome a rugby icon to Doha’s largest grassroots rugby festival,” said Kris Werner, Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management, HSBC Qatar. “Sport is an essential tool to help develop important life skills such as courage, team-work and integrity. This event plays a significant role in HSBC’s ongoing efforts to supporting grassroots rugby for our region’s youth.”
The England legend, affectionately known as ‘Billy Whizz’ for his electrifying speed, will lead participating teams through a variety of training sessions at the HSBC Skills Zone - the ultimate rugby time trial testing the speed and agility of junior rugby players.
“I’m thrilled to visit Doha and seeing the enthusiasm for the great game of rugby,” said Robinson. “When I visited the region before, I am continually surprised by the level of talent amongst the local young players and I’m sure the Doha teams will meet that high level!” The HSBC will host the 38-year-old at an exclusive “Evening With.. Jason Robinson” event at the Doha Rugby Football Centre, where he will give his predictions on the upcoming HSBC British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia this summer.
“The HSBC’s investment in rugby exists at both an elite-level with the British and Irish Lions, but more importantly at grassroots level with youth festivals like in Doha,” explained Robinson. “HSBC’s commitment to the growth of rugby aims to create a positive lasting legacy for the game spanning Europe to South America and the Middle East. Through the HSBC Youth Rugby Festival Doha, HSBC can help develop the game’s future stars and I am proud to be a part of that change.”