Palestine’s U21s side have returned to play after facing the American University of Beirut at the AUB sports centre. The student side ran out 34-18 winners with Mohammad Daaboul claiming three of their seven tries; Taher Kin, Theo Botsfort – who also kicked three goals - and Basilio Diaz crossing for the Palestinians. 

The last time the sides met was in 2011 under the banner of ‘Dignity for All’ and Palestine RL president, Rabie El Masri, commented: “We want to start activities again after some difficult years and to prepare a national team to participate in Middle East Africa championships like we have done before with our junior sides.” 

PRL vice president and U21s coach, Dr. Mohamad El Sakka, added: “It has been hard work but that has always pushed us forward, we are happy to be back to our activities and to playing matches, hopefully the next representative one will be a full international with Lebanon. Moreover, we are planning a national championship this year, teams are training weekly.”

“We were excited to be playing our first match back as Palestine Rugby League after a long time off from league, and against the current Lebanon collegiate champions.” Said PRL skipper Ziad Agha. “We have a very promising team with players of different levels of experience, some who only started a month or so ago. We are glad we had the chance to play and to show our level, it was a great experience and chance for the side to work on its harmony and team play.”