In Photos: UAE and Israel make history on rugby field
All smiles as UAE and Israel bond through game of rugby
Last updated:
2 MIN READ
1/14
The UAE and Israel made history on Friday.
PA
2/14
The two nations came together to play their first rugby match on a historic day.
PA
3/14
It was a friendly affair.
PA
4/14
With the UAE playing against the visitors in a sevens match over four quarters of seven minutes.
PA
5/14
While the Israelis won, this was a match more about friendship than tackles.
PA
6/14
Every good move by the UAE team was encouraged and spurred on by the opponents.
PA
7/14
The match was organised as part of the 'Friendship Tour'.
PA
8/14
Following the first match - which Israel won 33-0 - there was a mixed match.
PA
9/14
Both Israelis and Emiratis blended to play out a friendly game.
PA
10/14
The experience will be invaluable to the UAE team as they learnt a lot from their vastly more experienced opponents.
PA
11/14
But no-one was looking at the scoreline, as the camaraderie came through.
PA
12/14
This was more an expression of peace in one of the toughest sports on the planet.
PA
13/14
And when the whistle blew for the final time, there was nothing but embraces.
PA
14/14
Referee Jaco de Wit - a GEMS mathematics teacher - put it best as he said: "Rugby is the real winner today."
PA
Sign up for the Daily Briefing
Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox
Up Next
