Qatar could use World Cup stadia to host URC games

New sponsorship deal could be first step to matches played in Doha

PARTNERSHIP: His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive (to left of centre) and Engr Badr Mohammed Al Meer (Hamad International Airport Chief Operating Officer) are joined (from left by) Sam Grove-White (URC match official), Ali Price (Glasgow Warriors scrum-half), Martin Anayi, CEO of the United Rugby Championship, Mark Alexander (President of SA Rugby), Anthony Lepage (CEO of EPCR), Johan Goosen (Vodacom Bulls full-back) and Qatar Airways cabin staff to mark the new season partnership between the airline and the three rugby properties

Eight weeks out from a landmark FIFA World Cup in Qatar, United Rugby Championship boss Martin Anayi has signalled the strong possibility that the one-time Celtic League could be set to showcase its talents on the Arabian peninsula.

The prospect of Ireland’s four provinces and their rivals from South Africa, Scotland, Wales and Italy playing in the gas-rich nation state on the shores of the Persian Gulf took a considerable step forward on Sunday when URC chief executive Anayi announced a deal believed to be worth millions of dollars for Qatar Airways to become its official airline partner.