Former British Lion Mike Catt to play in Dubai
By Cz
May 21 2005
London Irish and former British Lion Mike Catt, Craig Chalmers and John Bentley head the star-studded line-up for the traditional end of season rugby match between the Dubai Exiles XV and Jim Lees's chairman's XV on Thursday May 26 kick off at 7pm.
By Cz
May 21 2005
London Irish and former British Lion Mike Catt, Craig Chalmers and John Bentley head the star-studded line-up for the traditional end of season rugby match between the Dubai Exiles XV and Jim Lees's chairman's XV on Thursday May 26 kick off at 7pm.
London Irish and former British Lions Mike Catt, Craig Chalmers and John Bentley head the star-studded line-up for the traditional end of season rugby match between the Dubai Exiles XV and Jim Lees's chairman's XV on Thursday May 26 at 7pm.
Irish international flanker Aiden McCullen and centre David Quinlan, both of the Leinster province, plus Army sevens captain Howard Graham are also flying in from Europe for the match.
It's one of the strongest group of players assembled for this annual game, and its strong Lions flavour is timely with the latest British Isles squad preparing to head to New Zealand later this month for an eagerly-awaited test series.
Catt was tipped by some to earn a place in Sir Clive Woodward's British and Irish lions squad to kick off against the Bay of plenty June 4th, because of his versatility and proven big-match experience, but unfortunately missed selection.
The South African-born player was a key figure in England's 2003 World Cup triumph, winning a total of 66 caps over 10 years, he was also selected for two British Lions tours.
He was an injury call-up to the 1997 squad which overcame South Africa 2-1, appearing in the final test, and he also began the ill-fated 2001 trip to Australia before succumbing to injury.
Chalmers, meanwhile, has just retired from the first class game after making his 200th appearance for the Melrose club.
He also holds the distinction of being the last member of Scotland's 1990 Grand Slam side to hang up his boots after making a total of 60 international appearances.
Bentley, the third former Lion, is a member of an elite group of men to have played both international rugby union and rugby league. But he is probably best remembered for his contributions, on and off the pitch, to the 1997 Lions' test series victory in South Africa.
He is currently the community marketing manager for Leeds Tykes and still plays for Yorkshire side Cleckheaton in National League Three North.
Jim Lees said: "Mike's achievements for Bath, England and the Lions speak for themselves while Craig has been a towering figure in Scottish rugby."
Entrance to the game will be free. There are two curtain-raisers to the main event on Thursday May 26.
The Exiles' ladies team will take on a combined Dubai Hurricanes/Abu Dhabi side at 5.30pm to be followed by a match between Exiles under-17s and the Dubai Barbarians at 6pm.
Irish international flanker Aiden McCullen and centre David Quinlan, both of the Leinster province, plus Army sevens captain Howard Graham are also flying in from Europe for the match.
It's one of the strongest group of players assembled for this annual game, and its strong Lions flavour is timely with the latest British Isles squad preparing to head to New Zealand later this month for an eagerly-awaited test series.
Catt was tipped by some to earn a place in Sir Clive Woodward's British and Irish lions squad to kick off against the Bay of plenty June 4th, because of his versatility and proven big-match experience, but unfortunately missed selection.
The South African-born player was a key figure in England's 2003 World Cup triumph, winning a total of 66 caps over 10 years, he was also selected for two British Lions tours.
He was an injury call-up to the 1997 squad which overcame South Africa 2-1, appearing in the final test, and he also began the ill-fated 2001 trip to Australia before succumbing to injury.
Chalmers, meanwhile, has just retired from the first class game after making his 200th appearance for the Melrose club.
He also holds the distinction of being the last member of Scotland's 1990 Grand Slam side to hang up his boots after making a total of 60 international appearances.
Bentley, the third former Lion, is a member of an elite group of men to have played both international rugby union and rugby league. But he is probably best remembered for his contributions, on and off the pitch, to the 1997 Lions' test series victory in South Africa.
He is currently the community marketing manager for Leeds Tykes and still plays for Yorkshire side Cleckheaton in National League Three North.
Jim Lees said: "Mike's achievements for Bath, England and the Lions speak for themselves while Craig has been a towering figure in Scottish rugby."
Entrance to the game will be free. There are two curtain-raisers to the main event on Thursday May 26.
The Exiles' ladies team will take on a combined Dubai Hurricanes/Abu Dhabi side at 5.30pm to be followed by a match between Exiles under-17s and the Dubai Barbarians at 6pm.
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