As Bahrain Rugby Federation gets ready for its participation in the upcoming Asia Rugby Championship Trophy, the team is Setting up for one of its most important campaigns yet.

At the forefront of this effort is captain Deina Morete, who has been Fundamental in guiding Bahrain rugby both domestically and on the international stage. In a recent conversation, Morete shared insights into the team’s preparation, challenges, and the excitement surrounding the tournament.

Originally from New Zealand, Morete has been a vital part of Bahrain’s rugby development since his arrival nearly eight years ago. Having grown up playing rugby in one of the sport’s bases, Morete has brought his experience and leadership to Bahrain RFC, helping the club and the national team reach new heights.

“It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m proud to lead Bahrain on the international stage,” Morete said. “We’ve built something special here, and now we’re excited to showcase that at the Asia Rugby Championship Trophy.”

‘We’re coming back more prepared this time’

The Asia Rugby Championship Trophy is a significant competition for Bahrain, and the team has been working hard to prepare. With the season approaching, the squad is in the middle of a demanding pre-season, balancing fitness and conditioning.

“We’ve been pushing ourselves hard in training,” Morete explained. “The focus is on building up our conditioning while staying sharp with our rugby skills, especially as we head into the competition.”

This year’s tournament holds extra importance, with the team looking to improve upon its previous performances. Reflecting on last year’s competition, where Bahrain performed admirably but fell short of the top spot, Morete is confident that the experience has made the team stronger. “Last year gave us a good understanding of what we’re up against,” he said. “We learned a lot, and we’re coming back more prepared this time.”

‘A tight-knit group’

Bahrain will face some tough competition at the Asia Rugby Championship Trophy, particularly from teams like Thailand, Kazakhstan, and regional rivals such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

“Thailand were deserved winners last year,” Morete admitted. “They were the standout team, but we walked away thinking we were close. This year, we’ve made the adjustments and are coming in stronger.”

Despite the challenges, Morete is optimistic about the future of rugby in the Middle East. The increasing participation of teams like Qatar and Saudi Arabia is a positive sign for the sport in the region. “It’s great to see rugby growing here,” he said. “The more teams we have competing at a high level, the better it is for the sport in the region.”

One of the key factors contributing to Bahrain’s success is the bond between the players. Morete highlighted the strength of the team’s relationships, many of which have been forged over years of playing together.

“We’re a tight-knit group,” he shared. “Most of us have been playing together for several years, and that familiarity is a huge asset. It’s not just about rugby—it’s about trusting each other on and off the field.”

This close bond is something Morete believes will be crucial as the team steps onto the international stage.

“We know each other well, and that makes a big difference when you’re out there competing,” he said. “We push each other to be better, and we know we can count on each other when it matters most.”

‘Attitude and effort are the non-negotiables’

For Morete, success in the upcoming tournament will come down to two key factors: attitude and effort. “Attitude and effort are the non-negotiables,” he emphasised. “It’s all about how we approach the game mentally and how much we’re willing to give physically. If we get those two things right, we’re in a good position to compete at our best.”

As captain, Morete takes pride in leading by example, instilling in his team the importance of going into every match with the right mindset. “We’ve got a lot of experienced players who know what it takes to win, and we trust each other to be in the right frame of mind when it’s time to perform.”

As Bahrain Rugby gears up for the Asia Rugby Championship Trophy, there’s a sense of excitement and anticipation within the squad. Morete, now in his second year as captain, is focused on ensuring the team is ready to take on the region’s best.

“We’re confident in our preparation, and we know what we need to do,” he said. “It’s now about going out there and delivering on the big stage.”

The upcoming tournament represents a significant opportunity for Bahrain to establish itself as a rugby powerhouse in the region.

“We’ve come a long way, and we’re ready to take this next step,”