URC & EPCR games to be played in Qatar?

The new multi-million pound deal signed by the URC and European Professional Club Rugby with Qatar Airways may mean that some games in those competitions will be hosted in Qatar. 

Akbar Al Baker, Qatar airlines chief executive and head of Qatar Tourism, told the URC and EPCR administrators on Sunday that he wants to host matches in Doha’s air-conditioned stadiums after they have been used for the football World Cup in November and December. 

 
In addition to this, according to The Times, the URC has also been approached by Fenway Sports Group – the Boston-based company that owns the Red Sox baseball team and Premier League side Liverpool. Fenway Sports have expressed interest in host matches in the USA. 

Martin Anayi, chief executive of the URC, said that nothing is off the proverbial table at the moment. 

“The games is something to build up to – you’d probably start with a new competition, a pre-season tournament, and if it goes well, could we build something here?” Anayi said. “At the same time we want players to play less competition of a higher quality, so we’ve got to balance that up with new territories. 

“They’re committed to investing in sport and their legacy post World Cup. Can rugby be part of that? 

“These deals are so important as they are the lifeblood of the professional game,” Anayi continued. “It’s about bringing new revenue into the game. Qatar Airways is a huge sponsor of football, putting millions of pounds into that, bring Formula One events here, MotoGP, and the ecosystem of rugby can’t be closed off to opportunities like this. Other sports are doing it.” 

This from Anthony Lepage, the interim chief executive (and chief financial officer) 

of EPCR: 

“We’re at the beginning of the relationship. There is a huge commitment from them to invest in sport. There is no limit, but let’s start the relationship and see. 

“Rugby is very traditional, so maybe it’s too early. We have a lot of projects, are talking about a Club World Cup competition, and so maybe Qatar could be a destination for that. Maybe in 10 years, Doha – we don’t know. 

“Like other sports we need to survive after Covid,” he added. “For rugby specifically we’re too small a family. In the northern hemisphere there are only six nations, we need to extend, open the door to others, and the club competition is one door. 

“It takes a lot of time for that. If we open to other territories, we open to other businesses, partners and are a global competition. There is a balance to find between the money and the sport – that’s not easy.”