(Agencies)
Updated: 2007-11-27 15:04

WORLDWIDE SPLIT

Rugby, he argues, instils socially useful values such as teamwork and discipline, which could be positive for Lebanon.

Unfortunately, the sport cannot offer the fragmented country an example of unity. A worldwide split between 15-a-side rugby union and the 13-a-side league version is also reflected here, despite Lebanon's tiny pool of no more than 300 regular players.

But the president of the Lebanese rugby union variant, Ghassan Hajjar, 39, is also eager to tout the "sportsmanship, courage, friendship and passion" inherent in the oval-ball game.

"All those things in Lebanon that separate people, or make them hate each other, fade away when they are on the pitch."

Lebanese rugby union teams will take part in the Dubai Sevens tournament, starting on Thursday, as they have for several years. They also compete in a new league with Syria and Jordan.

Rugby union has a longer pedigree than the league version in Lebanon, arriving 12 years ago when two emigre brothers formed the Beirut Phoenicians club after their return from England.

Kazandjian, given a remit in May by the European Rugby League Federation to develop the sport in the Middle East and North Africa, is convinced rugby league can make rapid strides.

"Hopefully we've done our bit to change people's perceptions of Lebanon," he said. "The chance we've given these young men to do something positive has been an enormous fillip to them."

   1 2   

   1 2