Manama: Bahrain Rugby Football Club’s first XV squad have begun preparations for a new-look 2015-2016 season after governing body ARFU West Asia opted to revamp both the Gulf Premiership and Gulf Top Six competitions.
In moves that have been well received around the region, Doha IIs have been rewarded for their performances in last year’s Gulf Conference with inclusion in an expanded Gulf Premiership alongside Bahrain, Muscat, Kuwait and their own first XV.
The Gulf Top Six, meanwhile, has been replaced by the West Asia Championship, which will feature all six UAE Premiership clubs in the shape of Abu Dhabi Saracens, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Dubai Hurricanes, Jebel Ali Dragons, Dubai Exiles and promoted Al Ain Amblers, as well as Bahrain, Doha and Muscat, with no qualification necessary.
Bahrain kick off their Premiership campaign away to Doha IIs on September 18 before their first home game against Muscat on October 2.
They will be back in Qatar again on October 9 to play reigning champions Doha before welcoming first Kuwait and then Doha to Saar on October 23 and 30 respectively.
The annual excursion to Muscat is scheduled for November 6 before Doha IIs visit Bahrain on November 13. A four-week break follows as teams prepare for the Dubai Sevens, with Bahrain concluding the Premiership schedule in Kuwait on December 11.
In the West Asia Championship, Bahrain have the unenviable task of traveling to league champions Abu Dhabi Saracens in the opening round on January 8 before they entertain Exiles and Dragons on the following two weekends.
Hurricanes away is scheduled for January 29 before a third trip of the season to Qatar to take on Doha on February 12 and then the return of Muscat to Saar on February 18.
Bahrain host Al Ain on March 4 before finishing the season at Abu Dhabi Harlequins on March 18.
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