Baghdad – IA
The national rugby sevens team began training in the Erbil camp in readiness for participation in the Arab Rugby Sevens Championship competitions, which will be held in Alexandria, Egypt.
The Secretary-General of the Federation, muhammad Al-Jazairi, told the (INA), today, Wednesday: “The team has begun its training in the internal camp held in Erbil, which will continue for ten days under the leadership of Egyptian coach Amr Metwally,” indicating that “the camp will include some trial matches with the team.” acad Ain Kawa in the coming days according to the curriculum set by the team’s technical staff.”
It is noteworthy that this camp is the second that the team enters after the Sulaymaniyah camp, with the presence of (16) players.
Interview with Muhammad Al-Jazairi: Preparing the iraqi National Rugby Sevens Team for the Arab Championship
Q: Thank you for joining us, Muhammad. Can you share with us the meaning of the current training camp for the Iraqi National Rugby Sevens Team?
A: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The training camp in Erbil is crucial for our preparation for the upcoming Arab Rugby Sevens Championship in Alexandria, egypt. It’s our second camp this year, and we’ve structured it to enhance our players’ skills and teamwork before the competition.
Q: You mentioned that this is the second training camp after Sulaymaniyah. What specific improvements have you seen in the team since the first camp?
A: The Sulaymaniyah camp laid a solid foundation, particularly in fitness and basic skills. Since starting the Erbil camp, we’ve noticed enhanced coordination and a better understanding of our strategies. The players are more confident, which we beleive will translate into improved performance during the championship.
Q: The team is training under Egyptian coach Amr Metwally. How has his leadership impacted the training camp?
A: Coach Amr Metwally has brought a wealth of experience and has implemented a tactical approach that the players are embracing. His coaching style focuses on both physical conditioning and mental preparedness, which is essential for a sport like rugby that demands both strength and strategic thinking.
Q: you mentioned trial matches with the Acad Ain Kawa team. What role do these matches play in the team’s preparation?
A: The trial matches serve multiple purposes. They allow us to assess our players in a competitive environment, test our game plans, and provide invaluable feedback for our technical staff. They also boost team morale and help build camaraderie, which is vital for any team sport.
Q: With 16 players currently in training, how are you ensuring that the team remains united and focused?
A: Unity and focus are central to our training philosophy. We hold daily team meetings to set goals and discuss any issues. Additionally, we encourage open communication among players. Team-building exercises are embedded in our training curriculum to foster strong bonds, which are essential when competing under pressure.
Q: Looking ahead,what are your expectations for the team’s performance in Alexandria?
A: While we understand the competitive nature of the Arab Rugby Sevens Championship,our primary goal is to showcase the progress we’ve made and to compete at our highest level. we aim for a strong showing, which we hope can inspire more interest in rugby in Iraq.
Q: What advice would you give to young athletes aspiring to join the national team in the future?
A: My advice would be to stay dedicated to training, embrace teamwork, and continually seek to improve their skills. Participation in local clubs and understanding the fundamentals of rugby is essential.Young athletes should also look to embrace the spirit of the game—resilience and sportsmanship are just as significant as athletic ability.
Q: Thank you for your insightful answers, Muhammad. We wish the Iraqi National Rugby Sevens team the best of luck at the championship!
A: Thank you! we appreciate the support and look forward to representing our country on the field.