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The Doha 1st XV will kick off their season with a first team match against Bahrain on September 27. Doha Rugby FC (DRFC) first team coach Aaron Palmer announced that the opening faceoff of the two teams will kick off the inter Gulf rugby season. |
“After a very hard and strenuous pre-season fitness regimen the team are looking fit and eager to finally get into a match,” Palmer said.
The men’s team is not taking any chances however, as the opposing team is also keen on winning the opening match. “Bahrain has a strong squad and will definitely be coming to Doha with a win in mind. Last year the results were split with each of us having two wins.”
He added: “We have a large number of new players in the squad and the result will depend on how they adapt to the conditions. The team needs to continue playing quick rugby at the breakdown and hold onto the ball”. The men’s team is banking on a good mix of talents and skills on the roster in addition to their solid performance last season both within the Gulf region and across Asia.
As extensive training and preparation remain key components in the team’s every match, Coach Palmer is also relying on his team members’ teamwork and leadership capabilities. “We have a very experienced back row trio with a lot of competition for places amongst it. Expect new captain Jamie Clarke to lead by example in all aspects of the game”.
On the local front, DRFC 2nd team is also slated to host Al Khor 2nd team and training for the match is well underway too. “This match against the Al Khor team gives the 2nd XV valuable game time,” Palmer asserts. “DRFC is serious about the importance of continuously building depth amongst the full men’s squad and the players in the 2nd XV are always challenged to push themselves for spots in the 1st XV. Competition amongst our squad can only be healthy and good for promoting the sport here in Doha”.
Match schedules and training times for the men’s, women’s, minis and youth teams can be found at http://www.doharfc.com