Boost for Gulf rugby as ARFU hire new Development Officer

Jon Turner 09:51 05/08/2014
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  • Work to be done: New ARFU Development Officer, Ghaith Jalajel says the level of rugby in the GCC wildly varies.

    Former Abu Dhabi Harlequins Director of Rugby Ghaith Jalajel will be tasked with developing the game across the Gulf after being appointed Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU) West Asia Development Officer.

    Jalajel, who spent five and a half years as a Rugby Development Officer at the Arabian Gulf Rugby Football Union (AGRFU), will focus on the growth of grassroots rugby in the GCC as well as helping national federations and governments increase the popularity of the sport.

    “There will be big emphasis on helping all the countries in West Asia promote rugby in the region,” Jalajel told Sport360°. “Of course, it will differ from one country to another.

    “Somewhere like Qatar has a recognised federation, a very good rugby setup and an active domestic league. Introducing new programmes and ideas will not be difficult as rugby is already popular.

    “Rugby in Saudi Arabia for example is on the verge of receiving government recognition, they just need some advice and help in terms of what to do next and how to apply for RFU membership.

    “However, the game is very young in places like Kuwait and Oman so they will have different needs to countries where rugby is more established.”

    Jalajel – a qualified electrical engineer – has been involved in rugby in a full-time capacity since 2004 from his time at the AGRFU.

    Following the AGRFU’s closure in 2010, the Jordanian took up a position as a Rugby Development and Services Manager with the UAE Rugby Association before working as a freelance coach.

    In 2012, Jalajel was appointed Rugby Manager at the Jordan Rugby Football Union and 11 months later returned to the UAE as the Harlequins Director of Rugby.

    Jalajel insists the development of youth rugby and encouraging the next generation to play the sport will be fundamental to any success he has in his new position.

    “Grassroots rugby will play a huge part in what I am trying to achieve and the vehicle for that will be encouraging boys to get involved in our rugby programmes,” Jalajel explained.

    “The programmes will be ready in Arabic soon so it will be easier to communicate them to governments and ministries of education.

    “The 2016 Olympics in Rio (where Sevens rugby will return to the schedule) are important for us. If we can get a large number of local boys interested in rugby and watching the Olympics with real interest, that will be a big boost to our overall ambitions.”

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