Afghanistan face Iran in UAE rugby final

KABUL would take on Iran in the final of the West Asian Sevens Rugby Tournament being played at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, on Saturday, an official said.

Rugby Federation official Asad Ziyar told Pajhwok Afghan News the four-team competition began a day earlier, with Afghanistan beating last year’s winners Lebanon 22-5 and the UAE 33-0.

The newcomers Afghans, who are for the first time taking part an international rugby event, were thrashed by Iran 17-12 in yesterday’s matches.

Afghanistan and Iran will play the final match this afternoon, said the official, who added rugby was a new game for the Afghans and the federation came into existence last year.

Aimed at providing a level playing field for regional teams, the friendly tournament is recognised by IRB (International Rugby Board) and ARFU (Asian Rugby Football Union). Saudi Arabians who took part in the inaugural tournament withdrew at the eleventh hour.

ma/mud

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