Jordan names strong squad for Saudi Arabia test

AMMAN — Following two tough trial matches, Jordan Rugby selectors have finalised the squad that will take on Saudi Arabia this Friday in an official test match, according to the Jordan Olympic Committee News Service.

The game kicks off at 4pm at the University of Petra pitch on Airport Road. Twenty-three players from all four Premier League sides have made the cut, with the Citadel’s Nart Kalimat named captain and the Saracens’ Ahmad Hamouqa his deputy.

Not surprisingly, the bulk of the side is made up from the dominant Citadel and Nomads clubs who stamped their authority on the 15s league this season. Abed Khlaifat from the Aqaba Sharks is also named in the squad.

“We had two testing matches which enabled us to run the rule over all of the players available and selection was not easy as the standard was very high and has definitely improved,” said head coach, Graeme Forbes.

“The match this Friday will provide us with the opportunity to see where we are at in terms of progress against what we expect to be a decent Saudi side.”