In Photos: UAE and Israel make history on rugby field

All smiles as UAE and Israel bond through game of rugby

Published: March 20, 2021 17:20 Matthew Smith, Sport Editor

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The UAE and Israel made history on Friday. Image Credit: PA

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The two nations came together to play their first rugby match on a historic day. Image Credit: PA

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It was a friendly affair. Image Credit: PA

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With the UAE playing against the visitors in a sevens match over four quarters of seven minutes. Image Credit: PA

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While the Israelis won, this was a match more about friendship than tackles. Image Credit: PA

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Every good move by the UAE team was encouraged and spurred on by the opponents. Image Credit: PA

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The match was organised as part of the 'Friendship Tour'. Image Credit: PA

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Following the first match - which Israel won 33-0 - there was a mixed match. Image Credit: PA

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Both Israelis and Emiratis blended to play out a friendly game. Image Credit: PA

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The experience will be invaluable to the UAE team as they learnt a lot from their vastly more experienced opponents. Image Credit: PA

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But no-one was looking at the scoreline, as the camaraderie came through. Image Credit: PA

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This was more an expression of peace in one of the toughest sports on the planet. Image Credit: PA

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And when the whistle blew for the final time, there was nothing but embraces. Image Credit: PA

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Referee Jaco de Wit - a GEMS mathematics teacher - put it best as he said: "Rugby is the real winner today." Image Credit: PA

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