DRFC hosts domestic XVs action as sport continues to thrive despite seige

Last weekend, Doha Rugby Football Centre (DRFC) played host to a bumper weekend of live sport, demonstrating that, despite the blockade, there is a thriving rugby culture in Qatar.“There was non-stop action at Doha Rugby Football Centre last weekend. From vets, to men, to ladies, to touch, there really was something for everyone to enjoy,” said Brook Tremayne, director of Rugby at DRFC.“This is an unusual year for us. Due to the current political situation, options for all our teams to travel are extremely limited. Qatar Rugby Federation’s domestic league is providing local men’s clubs with the opportunity to continue playing competitively, and last weekend proved that, even despite the obvious challenges, there is a thriving rugby culture right here in Doha, and that interest in the sport is continuing to grow.”DRFC hosted three National Club Rugby Championship games over the weekend, part of the Qatar Rugby Federation’s (QRF’s) newly-reformatted domestic XV’s competition. On Thursday, the Qatar Camels beat Doha Vets, while on Friday, Doha Maroon – Doha RFC’s men’s first team – won convincingly against Al Khor, and Doha Gold – Doha RFC’s men’s second team – defeated Blue Phoenix. Additionally, Doha RFC’s ladies played a sevens exhibition match, and Doha RFC’s U17 girls went head-to-head against the QRF’s U17 girls in another sevens exhibition game. Finally, the weekend came to a close with a series of touch rugby games, which, played each week, are part of the ongoing ‘GAC Touch Rugby League’.