Playing URC games in Qatar still a long way off, says chief executive

LONG TERM: United Rugby Championship CEO Martin Anayi says playing league games in Qatar is still a long way off. Pic: INPHO/Dan Sheridan

United Rugby Championship chief Martin Anayi has admitted playing league games in Qatar are still a long way off for his competition when its member clubs are so reliant on home ticket sales.

The URC added Indian tyre company BTK as its Northern Hemisphere title sponsor last Friday and then on Sunday welcomed Qatar Airways into its sponsorship fold as official airline partner. Chief executive Anayi spoke in Doha at that deal’s announcement of the potential for games in the Gulf state and said winter training camps and pre-season games were the more likely route for the championship.