MUSCAT, MAY 9
Oman Rugby’s youth development programme continued to gather momentum as 57 young players took part in the third edition of the Youth Centres Event organised by Oman Rugby at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher.
The event brought together players from the Bausher Centre and the Dima W'attayeen Centre, including 52 Omanis, in a friendly, developmental atmosphere aimed at giving children match experience, building confidence and strengthening links between the centres.
Mohammed bin Rabee al Hashami, national team manager and coach of the Bausher Centre, said the turnout reflected the growing interest in rugby among young Omanis and their families.
“The response has been very encouraging. Families are highly involved, and in many cases it is the children themselves who insist on attending. These gatherings help the players enjoy the game, meet players from other centres and motivate each other,” he said.
Al Hashami added that Oman Rugby is working to expand the programme in Muscat and other areas, with plans to establish four to five centres and increase cooperation with government schools and clubs. “Our target is to reach 500 players in the age-group categories within two years. We are also working with clubs such as Dima W'attayeen and hope to involve more clubs including Fanja, Seeb, Al Amerat and Bausher,” he said.
YOUTH TALENT PROJECT
Brian Hopkins, head coach of the national rugby team, praised the impact of the Youth Talent Project, saying it has provided a strong platform to introduce rugby to children in Oman.
“The children have been outstanding. Some of them had only three training sessions before playing matches, yet they looked as if they had been playing for months. This shows the athletic ability of Omani youngsters. With more training, many of them can develop into players capable of representing Oman internationally,” Hopkins said.
He added that the programme must grow gradually to maintain quality. “This is only the beginning. We currently have two centres, and we can already see the success. Hopefully, we will move to three and four centres, attract more children through schools, and develop more coaches. I would love to see 1,000 Omani children playing rugby by the end of next year,” he said.
Ali al Dhakhri, coach of Dima W'attayeen Rugby Centre Rugby Centre and assistant coach of the national team, said the age-group programme forms the foundation for the future of the sport.
“If we want a strong national team in the future, we need a strong base. We are now working with young players, especially in the under-13 and under-18 age groups, to identify talent and develop them step by step,” he said.
Several young players also expressed their excitement. Hussein al Saadi said rugby helped build fitness and strength, while Hatim al Shibli said the sport attracted him because of its teamwork and energy. Ziyad al Dhakhri said rugby improved his movement, speed and fitness, adding that his ambition is to join the Oman national team and become one of the best players.
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