UAE’s biggest rugby league teams battle it out for the Rugby League Cup

By Susan Parker, Date:22/4/13

The newly formed Rugby League Commission (RLC), the organisation behind rugby league development locally, will kick off the 2013 season on Friday 3 May at Dubai Sports City, bringing four of the UAE’s top rugby league teams together to battle it out for this year’s League crown.

The Dubai Wasps RL, Abu Dhabi Harlequins RL, Al Ain Amblers RL and the first ever UAE rugby league team, MANA Dubai RL, will face each other over the course of the month long tournament. The matches will be accompanied by a touch rugby tournament, hosted by UAE Touch.

Established seven years ago by RLC Chief Executive, Sol Mokdad, rugby league has grown year-on-year, with the new MANA Dubai RL team being made up from keen rugby league players from across the country.

“The popularity of rugby league is growing and brings together a group of passionate players and fans,” says Mokdad. “This year, the excitement growing in anticipation of the tournament has been the greatest to date and we have some fantastic supporters on board.”

The four-week tournament will culminate with the awarding of the TBWA\RAAD Rugby League Cup, supported by communication agency TBWA\RAAD.

Reda Raad, COO TBWA\RAAD said “We are delighted to be able to support the ENRL this year. As a group, it’s in our DNA to look-out for fresh ideas and exciting ventures. The League is a great initiative that has been generating more and more excitement in the region each season. We can’t wait for the kick off game and wish all the players’ good luck”.

The Rugby League Commission will also be working closely with Bespoke Wellness this year, who will be providing all physiotherapy and fitness services in advance of and during the games. Mokdad added: “Thank you to our sponsors and partners, TBWA\RAAD, Bespoke Wellness, Sports Talk ME, Masafi, Dubai Sports City, and Sci-MX Sports Nutrition who have been an integral part of taking rugby league to the next level for the future.”

Matches will begin at 3:30pm on May 3 at Dubai Sports City. Attendance is free.

TBWA/RAAD Rugby League Cup 2013 Fixture List

MAY 3RD, 2013 – OPENING ROUND – DUBAI SPORTS CITY
Match A – 4:00PM – Dubai Wasps RL v Al Ain Amblers RL
Match B – 6:00PM – MANA Dubai RL v Abu Dhabi Harlequins RL

MAY 16TH/17TH, 2013 – SEMI FINALS – HOME ADVANTAGE
Match C – Winner Match A v Loser Match B
Match D – Winner Match B v Loser Match A

MAY 31ST, 2013 – FINALS – AL AIN RUGBY CLUB
Match E Plate Final – 4:00PM – Loser Match C v Loser Match D
Match F Cup Final – 6:00PM – Winner Match C v Winner Match D