MUSCAT: Rugby has made its first appearance at Sports Spark 2026 through a training programme aimed at introducing children to the sport, its basic rules and fundamental skills, attracting a strong turnout during the first two weeks.
The fourth edition of Sports Spark, presented by Sohar International in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, is being held at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) until August 15. The event features more than 20 sports and recreational activities in indoor, air-conditioned halls.
The children’s summer camp, which began on July 19, will continue until August 13.
The Oman Rugby Committee’s participation in the summer programme is part of its efforts to broaden the game’s participation base, reach younger age groups and raise public awareness of rugby while providing children with an opportunity to experience the sport in a structured training environment.
Mohammed al Hashami, assistant coach of the Oman national rugby team, said the sport’s first participation at Sports Spark had received an enthusiastic response.
The programme welcomes five groups each day, with every group taking part in a 45-minute training session.
Training is held daily from 9 am to 1.30 pm and targets children aged between eight and 14. Each group comprises between 12 and 18 players, although the participants may vary from one day to another.
Al Hashami explained that the sessions focus on touch rugby, a non-contact version of the sport in which players stop their opponents by touching them rather than through physical tackles and collisions. This makes it suitable for introducing children to the game’s fundamental skills in a safe training environment.
The sessions introduce participants to rugby’s basic rules while developing skills such as carrying and passing the ball, teamwork, movement and communication through simplified exercises suited to their ages and physical abilities.
At least 500 children have so far been introduced to rugby and learned its basic principles and rules, Al Hashami said, adding that the main objective was to promote the game among younger age groups and strengthen its presence within the community.
“We have completed two weeks of the programme, with another two weeks remaining. The turnout has been strong since the beginning, and we aim to use this opportunity to introduce rugby to as many children as possible and give them a clear understanding of its rules and basic skills,” he said.
Around 95 per cent of the participants are Omanis, reflecting the interest of families in giving their children opportunities to explore new sports and benefit from organised programmes during the summer holiday.
The programme welcomes both boys and girls, although boys currently account for the majority of participants. Two teams comprising children with Down syndrome and autism have also taken part, reflecting the programme’s inclusive approach and its commitment to making sport accessible to different groups within the community.
PLAYERS ASSIST SESSIONS
The programme is conducted under the direct supervision of Brian Hopkins, head coach of the Oman national rugby team and the sport’s development officer, with support from Al Hashami and a number of rugby players who volunteer daily to assist with coaching sessions and group organisation.
Al Hashami said the involvement of rugby players in delivering the programme had helped provide children with a better training experience and allowed the skills to be communicated simply and engagingly.
Their participation also strengthens interaction between national-team players and younger age groups who could form the future foundation of rugby development in Oman.
Regarding the pathway available to participants after the programme, Al Hashami said children who enjoy the game and wish to continue playing would be welcomed into training centres, where they could further develop their skills and receive technical guidance.
Rugby’s participation at Sports Spark provides an important platform for identifying promising talent and expanding the pool of players, supporting plans to develop the sport and build a new generation capable of progressing towards club and national-team representation.
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