UAE Rugby League opening helps push home the agenda for a 2021 World Cup

DUBAI // If the powers that be in UAE Rugby League needed an advertisement to prove the multicultural interest in the sport here, on Friday’s opening day of the domestic season did a decent job.

The Nissan Rugby League Cup, began at Dubai Sports City, variously peopled by Fijians, Australians, New Zealanders, Brits, Irish, Lebanese, a Pakistani – and even a lone Emirati.

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Adel Al Hendi, one of the leading Emiratis involved in rugby, was making a return on the wing for Abu Dhabi Harlequins after a long-standing groin injury.

Quins started the defence of the title they won two years ago in convincing fashion, even though they were missing their leading league player, Ben Bolger.

The former Super League player, who has been helping Tony Scott coach the defending champions, is recuperating from a wrist injury and may return next weekend.

In his absence, Quins thrashed Dubai Sharks, who were playing their maiden fixture in the 13-a-side format, by 70-14, with Willy Umu, the Fijian powerhouse, scoring a hat-trick.

In the earlier match, Xodus Wasps served notice of their capabilities as they quelled the challenge of Al Ain Amblers, with Michael Sole the standout performer in a 48-34 win.

Sol Mokdad, the president of UAE Rugby League, said he hopes more Emiratis will be attracted to the sport, but was happy with the mixture of nationalities on show on the opening day.

“We have to get Emiratis playing, and rugby union is doing that really well,” Mokdad said. “We have to start with people who know rugby league, want to play rugby league and put on a spectacle.

“We want to build from here.”

pradley@thenational.ae

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