Brian Hopkins, originally from the UK, has been at the forefront of developing rugby in Oman since his arrival in 2019.

Tasked with expanding the sport’s reach and infrastructure, Hopkins is spearheading efforts to establish a sustainable rugby culture in a country where the sport is still finding its feet.

With a vision to make rugby more accessible and competitive at a regional level, he is working to overcome significant setbacks, from a lack of facilities to building local interest and talent.

Hopkins initially came to Oman for a role with Oman Post, helping to establish ASEAD Express, a DHL-like service in the country. In the same year, he began assisting with coaching at Muscat Rugby, just as the club rejoined the UAE League Division II. However, the resurgence of Muscat Rugby coincided with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought sporting activities to a halt. Hopkins recalls that their promising season was interrupted just as they were on the verge of competing for a playoff spot.

By 2021, his contract expired, and he returned to the UK. Yet, during this time, he maintained contact with Nabs Al-Bisaidi, who was working to establish Oman Rugby as a governing body. Once the Ministry of Sports approved the formation of the organisation, Hopkins returned to Oman in 2022 with a mission: to build the country’s rugby foundation and expand participation among Omanis.

‘Touch rugby became our entry point’

Central to Oman Rugby’s strategy has been the focus on increasing local participation in the sport. Unlike many Middle Eastern rugby initiatives that start with contact rugby, Oman has placed an emphasis on touch rugby, a non-contact variant that makes it easier for newcomers to learn the basics. Hopkins explains that this approach has been key to getting Omanis involved, especially in schools and the military.

“Touch rugby became our entry point, a way to introduce the sport in a less intimidating manner,” he says.

The initial goal was to establish a minimum of 50% Omani players on the national touch rugby team. This strategy has been successful in bringing new talent into the fold, including athletes transitioning from other sports like handball.

According to Hopkins, one such player, who first touched a rugby ball in January, made significant progress and competed in international qualifiers by July.

“He trained hard and quickly became a solid player,” Hopkins notes, highlighting the potential for rapid development when the right structure is in place.

‘A game-changer for the sport here’

Despite the positive strides, the development of rugby in Oman faces significant infrastructural challenges. Unlike many of its regional neighbors, Oman lacks dedicated rugby facilities. Most schools and universities in the country have only AstroTurf fields, unsuitable for teaching contact rugby. As a result, the introduction of contact elements to students is limited, making it difficult to build the necessary skills from a young age.

The situation is similar for Oman’s senior clubs. Muscat Rugby, one of the country’s main clubs, has to rely on football fields for practice, as there are no rugby-specific pitches available. Hopkins is working closely with the Ministry of Sports to find a suitable piece of land to create a dedicated home for rugby in Muscat.

“If we can establish a dedicated rugby facility, it will be a game-changer for the sport here,” he asserts.

Looking ahead, Oman Rugby’s ambitions extend to building a competitive Omani Sevens team that can participate in regional tournaments such as the Arab Sevens and even the qualification rounds for the 2032 Olympics. However, the path to reaching this goal is a long one. Hopkins is realistic about the challenges, acknowledging that while a full Olympic qualification might be out of reach, it is crucial for Oman to begin the process and build a strong foundation.

“The focus is on developing Omani citizens who can represent the country on the international stage,” he says.

To achieve this, Oman Rugby is placing a strong emphasis on grassroots development. The organisation is collaborating with schools and universities to establish youth programs, aiming to create a pipeline of players who can transition into senior teams. The hope is that by fostering interest at the youth level, participation will grow organically, leading to a larger player pool for both Sevens and, eventually, a 15-a-side team.

One of the key assets for rugby development in Oman has been the support from the military, which has provided both facilities and players. According to Hopkins, seven of the nine Omani players in a recent touch rugby tournament came from military backgrounds. This has helped to ensure a disciplined and physically prepared group of athletes, particularly for contact sports. However, even with this support, challenges remain in building a robust club culture and expanding beyond a single club structure.

To maintain interest and improve skills, Hopkins plans to encourage Muscat Rugby to form multiple in-house teams. This would allow for regular local competition, preventing the drop-off in participation that often follows major tournaments. The strategy aims to keep players engaged year-round, developing a more competitive environment within Oman itself, rather than relying on opportunities in neighboring countries like the UAE.

‘Making steady progress’

The growth of women’s rugby in Oman is still in its early stages. While there is increasing interest among women, the focus remains primarily on touch rugby. Muscat Rugby plans to send a women’s team to compete in the Dubai Sevens, marking a significant step forward. However, a full national women’s contact team is still a long-term goal, as the necessary infrastructure and player base are not yet in place.

Hopkins notes that progress is being made, particularly at the youth level. Many girls in schools are enthusiastic about touch rugby, but maintaining that interest as they grow older is a challenge. Oman Rugby is working with clubs to create development plans that emphasise increasing women’s participation, but building a consistent pathway from school programs to club-level competition remains a priority for the future.

Despite the challenges, Hopkins remains optimistic about the future of rugby in Oman. He is focused on building a sustainable structure that can grow over the coming years. A newly established high-performance gym, supported by local sponsors, is helping players improve their skills even during the off-season.

“This facility has been crucial for developing our players’ strength and conditioning, especially when outdoor conditions are too hot for training,” Hopkins explains.

With a clear vision and a strategic approach, Oman Rugby is laying the groundwork for a sport that has historically struggled for recognition in the region. Hopkins is committed to building a foundation that will enable rugby to thrive in Oman, even if the journey requires time and patience. He is hopeful that within the next few years, Oman will have a competitive presence in regional tournaments and a growing community of players at every level.

As he puts it, “If we get mass participation again, the rest will follow. The key is creating opportunities for everyone to engage with the sport, from grassroots to high-performance levels. It’s a long road, but we’re making steady progress”.