Dubai: Arabian Gulf will get their business of finding themselves a spot in next year's IRB Rugby World Cup in New Zealand when they face Kazakhstan in their HSBC Asian 5 Nations opener in Almaty on Saturday.
The Gulf will be out in full force to contend against the second highest world ranked team in the tournament at the National University Stadium.
The champions of the A5N this year will not only be crowned the top side across Asia but will also gain direct entry into the IRB Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand, joining Pool A alongside hosts New Zealand, France, Tonga and Canada.
For the Arabian Gulf, a ticket to the Rugby World Cup 2011 is not the only thing at stake with the tournament potentially marking the final appearance of its XVs side. The team aim to make sure the tournament is a memorable one for the Arabian Gulf Rugby Football Union (AGRFU) and its fans.
The squad bound for the first game in Kazakhstan includes: Mike Riley, Dan Heal, Mark Gathercole, Mike Cox-Hill (Captain), Steve Little, Karl Sutcliffe, Ed LePine-Williams, David Clark, Jonny MacDonald, Duncan Murray, Sean Hurley, Taif Al Delamie, Trent Eastgate, Ross Stapleton, James Love, Rory Power, Nick Croker, Lindsay Fitzgerald, Jason Voyce, Dave Clouston, Paul Beard and Steve Smith.
Bruce Birtwistle, Head Coach, has been training the Arabian Gulf.
