ALL THE NEWS & EVENTS
AGRFU Set for Grand Finale
07/09/10
FINAL COUNTDOWN: ARABIAN GULF’S FINAL XVS MATCH
The Arabian Gulf takes on South Korea in their final XVs match
At 1900 on Friday 14 May 2010, the Arabian Gulf will take on South Korea in their final Asian 5 Nations (A5N) match at The Sevens stadium. The magnitude of this match goes beyond just the end of an A5N campaign, with this game also representing the final Arabian Gulf XVs appearance as the Arabian Gulf Rugby Football Union (AGRFU) will cease to exist by the end of 2010.
Leading up to the main event, The Sevens will be host to a number of exciting events including a touch tournament for girls, both an U14 and U11 exhibition match, and a presentation by the Union to recognise those who have represented the Gulf for 20 years. The curtain raiser will see Jordan and Lebanon compete in their first ever international with kick off at 1600. With the HSBC Penguins, clubs and schools involved, The Sevens ground is certainly the place to be for all rugby fanatics and fans alike on Friday 14 May 2010.
The AGRFU was founded in 1987 and joined the IRB in 1990. Since its roots from the 1970’s, the game has grown from sand to grass pitches and has become one of the leading sports across the Gulf being played by men, women and children. As we countdown towards the Arabian Gulf’s last XVs game, we recall the impact the Union has had on the development of the game throughout its member countries as well as its success on the world stage. No doubt the sport will continue to prosper despite the union being disbanded.
Andy Cole, Chairman, Arabian Gulf Rugby Football Union, commented on the final match: “This match marks the end of an era for the AGRFU as the Arabian Gulf XVs compete in their last ever international on home soil. It will be an emotional game for the team as they look to leave a legacy behind for the AGRFU, and for a number of players such as the boys outside the UAE this will most likely be their last chance to compete at an international level. The Arabian Gulf, coming off the back of their loss to Japan, is fully focused on the upcoming game and will definitely give it everything they’ve got.”
The ultimate prize for the winner of the Asian 5 Nations is automatic berth to the Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand alongside hosts New Zealand, France, Tonga and Canada. The second ranked team will advance to a repechage process whereby, if successful, will also gain entry into the Rugby
World Cup 2011 being seeded in Pool B with Argentina, England, Scotland and Europe’s second direct entry.
So far in the competition top seed Japan has dominated, obtaining maximum points through two consecutive wins and two bonus points to top the table. Japan seems untouchable having beaten South Korea 71-13 and the Arabian Gulf 60-5, and with two games at hand and an outstanding points difference of +113 are on track to winning direct entry to the Rugby World Cup 2011.
Hong Kong and Kazakhstan are battling it out for second place. With wins against South Korea and Kazakhstan, a loss to the Arabian Gulf and two bonus points, Hong Kong is currently second in the table. Hong Kong will face Japan in their final A5N match, which will help determine their final place in the tournament. Kazakhstan has a win and a loss to the Arabian Gulf and Hong Kong respectively, and with two games at hand against Japan and South Korea will be aiming to edge Hong Kong out to secure the runners up spot.
To date, the Arabian Gulf’s A5N campaign has been an exciting one. The Arabian Gulf was defeated in their first match against Kazakhstan, claimed their first Top 5 win against Hong Kong, and lost to top seed Japan. Unfortunately these results have placed the Arabian Gulf as the fourth ranked team in the competition with a higher ranked finish just out of reach.
The Arabian Gulf’s finale will undoubtedly be a thrilling match with South Korea, currently bottom of the table having suffered two losses, looking to obtain their first points in the competition, and the Arabian Gulf out to secure fourth place in the table and make their last game a memorable one.
