Dubai: The Damascus Zenobians are packing a heavyweight punch in this year's Dubai Sevens thanks to the presence of Samer Tabbab.
The 33-year-old is a former Syrian and regional boxing champion who these days prefers to get his sporting thrills on the rugby pitch rather than in the ring.
Tabbab began playing the sport in 2003 and is now an integral part of one of the fastest growing clubs in the Middle East.
"I saw rugby on TV when I was a kid but we did not have any clubs then," he said. "After I finished boxing because of a hand injury I heard about the Zenobians and went along. I love it."
Around 70 per cent of the club's members are Syrian, according to captain Ryan Knox. "The mix we have is terrific," he said, "from a walnut farmer and diplomats to UN workers in the Golan Heights and students.
"We now play in the Mashreq League against Jordan and Lebanon, and have good links with Alexandria in Egypt who are quite similar to us.
"A few of our guys are IRB-accredited coaches and we're even running touch sessions for kids as there's so much interest.
"One of our biggest problems is travelling with people getting held up on borders but we all love the game and will do whatever we can to get a game."
Generous sponsorship from Shell means the Zenobians can broaden their rugby education by taking part in the Dubai tournament.
"Without their help we wouldn't be here, simple as that," said Ryan.
"Two of our guys got on a plane for the first time to come to Dubai.
"They're walking around here with their eyes popping out, enjoying the atmosphere and the experience, it makes everything worthwhile."
