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National team pulls out as Oman set to host Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy

Sports Wednesday 15/October/2025 19:23 PM
By: Times News Service
National team pulls out as Oman set to host Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy

MUSCAT: In an unexpected announcement, Oman has withdrawn its national team from the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy, even as the Sultanate prepares to host 18 teams from 14 nations in Muscat on October 25 to 26 at the Royal Oman Police (ROP) Stadium.

The news of national team withdrawal broke during a press conference at the Oman Olympic Committee (OOC) headquarters, where the Oman Rugby Committee unveiled details of the tournament.

Nabil Al Busaidi, Chairman of the Oman Rugby Committee, said the decision was made after a detailed technical review, stressing that player safety and readiness were the top priorities.

“It would not be reasonable to enter the team into such a strong tournament without sufficient preparation,” Al Busaidi explained. “Our players need more time and structured programmes to be physically and technically ready to compete at continental level.”

“We want our players to compete safely and fairly. Our goal is to build a foundation that ensures Oman rugby players can one day stand shoulder to shoulder with Asia’s best.”
He added that the withdrawal should not be seen as a setback but rather as a strategic step in Oman’s long-term rugby development. “We want to build a sustainable pathway. Our ambition is to have a team capable of qualifying for the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane — not just in rugby sevens, but hopefully also in touch rugby,” he said.

Al Busaidi emphasised that hosting the tournament remains a historic milestone, marking the first officially sanctioned international rugby event ever held in Oman.

“This is not just about rugby — it’s about putting Oman on the sporting map,” he said. “Already, we’ve seen over OMR 25,000 in hotel bookings from visiting teams, and the wider economic impact is estimated at OMR 350,000 with nearly 300 guests including teams and staff arriving in Oman. We expect up to one million viewers across Asia, which means more exposure and more opportunities for Oman.”
Brian Hopkins, head coach of Oman Rugby, praised the event’s significance for both the sport and the country.

“We’ve got 18 teams from 14 nations arriving — from South Korea to Palestine,” Hopkins said. “Many are staying longer to experience Omani hospitality and culture. It’s a free event, and we hope families, schools, and communities will come together to enjoy it.”

The tournament will feature 13 men’s teams and five women’s teams, with the captains’ photo to be taken against the iconic backdrop of Al Alam Palace.

“This is a proud moment for Oman,” Al Busaidi said. “While our team won’t compete this time, this event lays the groundwork for future success.”