Doha: The Qatar Rugby Federation kicked off the development plan for schools and kids by attending the Al Khor Youth Sevens tournament held at the Al Khor International School Al Khor last Friday.

During the day’s proceedings the young school kids got to meet their national rugby idols who were present at the occasion.

QRF president Yousef Al Kuwari said “It is incumbent on the federation to attend and support all youth rugby programmes initiatives. I commend Allen O’Halloran and Andy Napier for their drive to further enhance and promote youth rugby in Qatar”.

Al Kuwari continued “We have received many invitations from different schools to hold training sessions and clinics for their young players. I think it’s a great idea and the process is in motion. Next Saturday morning for example the national players will again impart their skills at Katara beach when they conduct another workshop for the Lycee Bonaparte French School.

The young kids are the stars of the future and it’s important that we nurture them collectively”.

“We hope to continue these visits and clinic sessions throughout the year. The kids love to meet their national heroes in particular our Fijian boys. This falls in within the framework of the QRF strategy of promoting rugby”.

The youth sevens tournament was attended by QRF senior coordinator Samuel Rico team manager Hamad Anbar Al Abdulla national coach Usaia Biumaiwai and players from the Qatar national rugby sevens squad including captain Talal Mujalli Orisi Sareki Isireli Biumaiwai Camels 1 captain Iliesa Rakabu.

Samuel Rico said “The QRF has a mandate to conduct clinics at all rugby playing schools in Qatar. In the coming months our national rugby sevens players will visit these schools for training and support. It will give our juniors players the chance to hone their skills among a bevy of national rugby stars.

Rico stressed “Today was a great opportunity for the kids to learn from our national players in particular our three Fijians. The kids were all over them. They really got a buzz from throwing the ball around with them. Hopefully they will take away some valuable techniques that can be implemented into their local games”.

Tournament organiser Allen O’Halloran expressed his gratitude to the QRF for their presence. He said “We thank the QRF for attending today. It was a great thrill for the kids to mix and play with our national players. We appreciate their attendance and their continuous support. Rugby in Qatar is certainly looking positive at the moment”.

Speaking about the national players O’ Halloran said “What a shock surprise to see them here. Originally I was just expecting Hamad and Sam but when they turned up with the national coach and players I was overwhelmed. I think everybody was. The kids couldn’t get enough of them. For their part the national players involved themselves in everything and did not say no to any request. You can tell they were happy to be here”.

The national players mingled with the junior players both boys and girls giving out rugby pointers presenting trophies posing for team photographs and signing autographs. Fijian and Camels 1 captain Iliesa Rakabu said “We had a great time with the kids.”

“We went through the basics with them such as passing kicking and running. They were very receptive and came with good training background”.

The youth rugby sevens was attended by Al Khor Blue Falcons Sherborne and DRFC all who were represented in various age groups including Under 810 12 14 16 and colts. QRF with its national players will hold another training clinic for the Blue Falcons. Starting at 8.30am the clinic will be available for all junior Blue Falcons players.

It will be held at Katara beach no. 4 on Saturday March 26 the and run for 60 minutes as some of the stars of the game shows the juniors what it takes to excel on the professional stage.

Following the clinic there will be a 10-minute session for players to get an autograph from the Camels.

The Peninsula