The 2019 Collegiate Rugby League: National Championship Grand Final will be played on Tuesday, 2 April, 8:45pm in Balamand, North Lebanon. Defending champions, University of Balamand, will play against the American University of Beirut, in a repeat of last year’s final, which Balamand won 38-8.
The game promises to be a tense clash following an incident in the opening game of the season that saw a small number of supporters briefly invade the pitch. The LRLF has obtained assurances from Balamand that security will be tripled and senior university officials will be present for the match.
Omar El Hout, AUB (Varsity) captain, said: “AUB is very excited to take part in the Collegiate Rugby League 2019 national championship grand final, and look forward to the challenge that the esteemed University of Balamand will provide. Today, we stand proud of playing alongside our brothers and kin, and proud of the badge on our heart.”
AUB, which has not won the D1 title since 2015 — but whose second XIII clinched the D2 Premiership and Championship titles last week — lost three of eight games to finish third in the table. Their depth and strength held NDU scoreless (0-18) to deliver them a chilling upset in the semi-final.
The champions’ head coach, Darwich El Darwich, said, “With the grand final around the corner, I can already feel the tension of the players ready to fight for the win. This is going to be a great promotion for rugby league in Lebanon, and we’re excited to welcome AUB back up to our home.”
His side enters the final as favourites and keen to secure their fourth successive CRL championship, but the UOB Razorbacks will be well aware that AUB Phoenix inflicted Balamand’s only defeat of the season, a 24-10 reverse earlier this month.
