Pakistan prepare for regional rugby battle

Lebanon, India and Uzbekistan to arrive in Lahore for Asian event.

KARACHI:

Pakistan rugby coach Roger Coombs is confident about his team’s prospects in the upcoming 2016 Asian Five Nation West Division III trophy next month.

The regional tournament will feature teams from Lebanon, India and Uzbekistan along with the hosts at Lahore’s Punjab Stadium.

“Winning the tournament at home is definitely a possibility,” Coombs told The Express Tribune. “Although Lebanon are a strong side and India will also give us a tough time, our team is working hard and is determined to lift the trophy.”

Pakistan will be looking to improve their performance, while India will seek a satisfactory result after being relegated from Division II last year.

Lebanon and Pakistan harbour an old rivalry as the latter had lost to Lebanon in the Division IV final last year.

Coombs said that his team is making the most of the practice matches in Lahore and Islamabad. He added that all the players have attained the desired level of fitness.

“We took a break this week, but will resume our preparations soon. We had a practice match on Sunday as well. So far, we’ve had training sessions both in the morning and evening.

“We have five Pakistani players who play in the UK — their experience will help us. We’ll be announcing the team for the event in next two weeks.”

The coach further stated that the foreign teams have confirmed their participation in the tournament.

The event will begin on June 19 and Pakistan will play their Division II West semi-final against Lebanon, while Uzbekistan will face India.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 21^st, 2014.

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