The history of rugby in Oman dates back to the 1970s.[1] Initially a minor sport played locally and by people from abroad, rugby has gained prominence since.[2] The Oman Rugby Committee is the sport's national governing body,[3] and was founded in 2021.[2] In the same year, Oman Rugby joined Asia Rugby as an associate member, and Muscat Rugby Club, a founding member of the Arabian Gulf Rugby Football Union, celebrated its 50th anniversary.[1] In 2024, the country's first touch rugby club was launched as part of the Mehlah Sports Club.[4]
2024 Touch Word Cup
editIn April 2024, the Oman Rugby Committee announced that Oman would participate in the 2024 Touch Rugby World Cup in Nottingham; this would be the first time Oman participated in an international rugby tournament.[2][5] Prior to that, the team faced the UAE and the Philippines in friendly matches, and participated in a local game in Abu Dhabi.[6][7] Oman finished 16th in the world cup, winning one out of eight matches.[8]
References
edit- ^ a b "Oman Rugby Committee joins Asia Rugby as Associate Member". Asia Rugby. 2021-12-04. Retrieved 2024-10-09.
- ^ a b c Ahmed Al Kaabi (2024-04-25). "Oman qualify for Touch Rugby World Cup in UK". Oman Observer. Retrieved 2024-10-09.
- ^ "The Oman Rugby Committee". Oman Rugby. Retrieved 2024-10-09.
- ^ Ahmed Al Kaabi (2024-09-24). "Mehlah team launched as Oman's first touch rugby club". Oman Observer. Retrieved 2024-10-10.
- ^ Ahmed Al Kaabi (2024-07-13). "Oman Rugby Team prepares for UK Touch Rugby World Cup". Oman Observer. Retrieved 2024-10-10.
- ^ Ahmed Al kaabi (2024-06-27). "Oman to take part in Touch Rugby World Cup in United Kingdom". Oman Observer. Retrieved 2024-10-10.
- ^ Purohit, Ashok (2024-07-17). "Oman play first international touch rugby match ahead of World Cup". Times of Oman. Retrieved 2024-10-10.
- ^ Ahmed Al kaabi (2024-07-26). "Oman finish 16th at Touch Rugby World Cup". Oman Observer. Retrieved 2024-10-10.