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Changes for Korea Match
07/09/10
Arabian Gulf make Changes for Korea Test
Arabian Gulf Head Coach is forced into changes for the teams final game of the HSBC Asian 5 Nations to be played at The Sevens, Dubai on Friday (KO 7pm).
Hurricanes wing Josh Sherrin fractured two metatarsals in last weeks defeat to Japan, while lock Steve Little received a two week suspension for foul play. Rama Chand of TOA Dubai replaces Sherrin, while Lindsay Fitzgerald of Doha comes in for Little. In a final change French Full Back Nico De Marco returns to the squad at the expense of Ross Stapleton.
Rama Chand makes his Arabian Gulf debut on Friday against Korea
The Gulf will be looking to end the season, and their international programme in general, with a win against Korea. Playing four consecutive games with all of the associated travelling is a tough ask for anyone, but for the Gulf a team of part-time, amateur players with a very small squad to select from, the task is doubly difficult. While the opportunity to qualify for the 2011 Rugby World Cup has gone there still remains the opportunity to go out on a high in front of their home fans against Korea.
The day will also see a host of junior rugby taking place, kicking off at 2pm on pitch two, while at 4pm on Pitch 1 Lebanon take on Jordan in what will be both teams' first full international match.
Food & beverage will be available all day and entrance to the event is free of charge.
ARABIAN GULF SQUAD HONOURED TO BE SELECTED
AGRFU names Arabian Gulf squad for last ever XVs international
The AGRFU last night announced the 22 man squad who will take to the field in their last ever representation for the Union’s XVs side. The team will compete against South Korea on Friday 14 May 2010 at The Sevens stadium in what will also be the end of their HSBC Asian 5 Nations campaign. Entry is free with the game kicking off at 1900. The curtain raiser will see a matchup between Jordan and Lebanon in their very first international commencing at 1600. A host of other activities will also be taking place throughout the day to celebrate this momentous occasion.
The Arabian Gulf sees four home born and home grown players included in the squad, namely, Taif Al Delamie, Paul Beard, James Love and Jonny MacDonald. All these players developed their rugby within the region having played the sport at school, for a junior club, a senior club and then moving on to play internationals. This is testament to the progress the Union has made and highlights how rugby has grown across the region and the effectiveness of the grass roots programme.
The squad for this weekend includes:
1. Jonny MacDonald
2. Sean Hurley
3. Duncan Murray
4. Paul Beard
5. Nicolas De Marco
6. Steve Smith
7. Taif Al Delamie
8. Trent Eastgate
9. James Love
Forwards
1. Mike Riley
2. Mark Gathercole
3. Nick Croker
4. Rory Power
5. Dan Heal
6. Mike Cox-Hill
7. Lindsay Fiztgerald
8. Jason Voyce
9. Karl Sutcliffe
10. Ed Le Pine-Williams
11. Byron Kraemer
