Doha R.F.C.

The club had the typical start of many Gulf expatriate clubs. Some like-minded, mainly British expatriate workers started throwing a rugby ball around. An "official" club was formed in 1974 and was known as the Qatar Rugby Union Football Club. It is one of the oldest clubs of any type in Qatar and one of the oldest rugby clubs in the Arabian Gulf.

The club originally used a sand pitch in West Bay - an area now covered in large office blocks!

The club's name was later changed to Qatar Rugby Football Centre for legal reasons. To all we are just "The Rugby Club".

Doha Ladies squad

In 1974 the AGRFU was formed and the club was a founder member of the organisation.

In 1977 the club moved to its present site. From then until today has come a slow improvement in facilities. The most noticeable of events was the laying of a grass pitch in 1998.

In the last eight years, the club has undergone tremendous changes following the establishment of our grass playing pitch. This has been a major attraction for new players arriving in Qatar and most importantly for our growing numbers of junior players. As a result, our membership is now much more representative of the many nationalities resident in Qatar.

The club has been in the forefront of development of Ladies, Minis and Vets rugby in the Gulf. Our Ladies teams have enjoyed considerable success in recent years at the Dubai 7's competition.

It has also been active in promoting the sport amongst Qatari nationals.

The club currently fields 2 senior men’s teams, a veteran men’s team, two ladies teams and a full range of junior sides from under 19 years to under 8 years. There is also a thriving touch rugby league. The club has also been known to field cricket teams and a sister organisation uses our facilities to play Gaelic football and other Irish activities. Qatar Badminton Club currently also uses the premises. Our site is adjacent to Doha College who also use some of our field and pool facilities.

D.R.F.C. is always a favourite venue for rugby and football playing naval and military forces visiting Qatar. During the run up to the 2006 Doha Asian Games, the club was pleased to offer training facilities and many trial matches to the Qatar national rugby team

If you are new to Qatar, come and see us. Newcomers are always welcome at the club whether you are a player, spectator or just want to meet kindred spirits and use our social amenities. We consider ourselves a multinational family orientated club, so come and join the fun.

Text courtesy of Doha R.F.C.

Images courtesy Lindsey Jones