Tribune News Network
Doha
Qatar head coach Warren Abrahams has named the final squad for the Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy 2023 to be played on Nov 3 & 4 at Onaiza Park, West Bay.
The coach on Wednesday announced team as the maroon and white contingent continues to take shape. The Qatar rugby sevens team possesses plenty of experience and enthusiasm.
Frank Hughes who will captain for the first time and is appreciative for another opportunity.
"Being able to compete at the Asia Rugby Sevens as captain an unreal achievement. We are all so grateful for the opportunity to represent Qatar whether its 15s or 7s rugby,” the captain said.
Sevens veteran backs Ismaail El Hatmi and Badr Bakaddouri will bring their international experience and flair to the game. Rated as one of the fastest players in the competition, the team will be looking to their speedy stars for plenty of tries. Both have endured injuries previously during big tournaments hampering their own on field performance.
"I feel great. I feel this year is different for me. We have a new coach, new team and I’m hoping I can stay injury free and get through the entire tournament” pace man Bakaddouri said.
In the meantime, brothers Shirath and Sharath Amit will play together for the first time in the Qatar national outfit. "Playing for Qatar alongside my brother is an exceptional sensation. I am so excited to be part of the squad with him so we showcase our love for Qatar and rugby, said Shirath.
Sharath was equally excited. "Though I was selected previously to play for Qatar I couldn’t do so due to visas issues. This time around there are no problems, I will be out there to do my best for our national team, he said.
Team manager Abdual Aziz Al Dosari praised the team’s training. "Preparations have been going well and the squad has bonded at various stages during sessions. The boys are hugely excited to participate in the tournament, Al Dosari said.
The participating countries in the top-grade competition, which is second only to the Asia Rugby Sevens Series, are Afghanistan, Bahrain, Iran, India, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Guam, the UAE, and hosts Qatar.
The winners of ARST Doha 2023 gain promotionto the next Asia Rugby Seven Series.
Hosted by the Qatar Rugby Federation (QRF), the event is an annual series of regional rugby sevens’ tournaments run by Asia Rugby. It follows the programme of World Rugby and its regions, which reflect the diverse sporting culture of the continent.
The tournament is played in a round robin fashion, followed by quarterfinals, semis, and finals matches. There will be three finals played in each division: the Cup, Plate, and Bowls. The duration of each match will be 14 minutes (seven minutes for each half), with a two minute of halftime.
Qatar squad: Frank Hughes (captain), Ismaail El Hatmi, Shirath Amit, Gullermo Villegas Bardo, Farhan Farook, Hamza Saied, Lee Millar, Sharath Amit, Paulo Schwartz, Peter Kariuki, Badre Bakkaddouri, Amin Miroki, Taahir Adams, Amine Salmi, Donovan Van Zyl.
Coach: Warren Abrahams.