14 nations to compete at Asian rugby, Oman withdraw

MUSCAT: The press conference announcing the details of the Asia Rugby Emirates trophy was held at the headquarters of the Oman Olympic Committee and Sports Associations on Wednesday. The event, organised by the Oman Rugby Committee, will take place from October 25 to 26, with the participation of 14 Asian nations.

During the conference, the Oman Rugby Committee surprised the sports and media community by announcing that the national team will not participate in the tournament, despite Oman hosting the event.

Nabil al Busaidy, Chairman of the Oman Rugby Committee, explained that the decision came after a detailed technical assessment, emphasising that the safety of the players is the top priority. He said it would not be reasonable to enter the team into such a strong tournament without sufficient preparation that allows them to compete fairly with other national teams.

He added that the national team requires a longer preparation period and comprehensive training programmes to ensure both physical and technical readiness before taking part in any continental or international event. He described this tournament as an important learning opportunity for Oman to gain experience from other Asian teams, which will contribute to the sport’s development at the local level.

Al Busaidy affirmed that hosting the championship represents a major sporting milestone for the Sultanate of Oman, as it is the first officially sanctioned international rugby tournament to be held in Oman. He stated that this achievement places Oman on the Asian and global rugby map, noting that the event also serves as a chance to promote Oman’s national identity and enhance sports tourism, thanks to close cooperation between the committee and the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, as well as strong support from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MoCSY) and sponsoring entities.

The competition includes 13 men’s teams and 5 women’s teams.

18 TEAMS

He added that the championship is not only about competition but also about promoting Oman globally. The event is expected to reach around one million viewers across Asia through media and social platforms. So far, it has already generated over RO 25,000 in hotel bookings.

Al Busaidy said such events help reinforce Oman’s position as a growing hub for sports and sports tourism in the region.

Meanwhile, Brian Hopkins, Head Coach of the Oman national rugby team, expressed his pride in being part of organising this major Asian event, describing it as a blend of sport and culture. He said Oman is welcoming 18 teams from 14 countries, some of which have already arrived, while others will come over the next few days. Many teams are staying longer to experience Omani hospitality and culture, which he described as a wonderful benefit of hosting such an event.

Hopkins noted that the competition includes 13 men’s teams and 5 women’s teams, marking a significant step for women’s participation and the expansion of rugby in the region.

He added that the official captains’ photo will be taken in front of Al Alam Palace near Al Mirani Fort, an iconic and timeless location that captures Oman’s beauty and cultural identity.

The matches will be held on Saturday and Sunday at the Royal Oman Police Stadium, with free entry for the public. Hopkins said the committee hopes to see families, schools and communities from all backgrounds come together to cheer for the teams and enjoy the atmosphere of this historic event open to everyone.