Reports have emerged that Qatar officials are in talks to hold a test match with the British and Irish Lions in 2025.
Following a World Cup that was hugely successful on the pitch, Qatar are attempting to host further sporting events to prove what they can showcase.
Now it seems they want to take their exploits to the rugby pitch, with the Daily Mail reporting that discussions are underway to host a test match in the country in preparation for the tour of Australia.
Qatar are also aiming for a regular spot in the World Sevens series and a bid to host the Sevens World Cup is also reportedly on the agenda.
The British and Irish Lions have played warm up games in the past outside of the country they are touring, having played the Barbarians in Hong Kong in 2013. That was also in preparation for Australia.
Issues In Qatar
While the World Cup will be remembered for decades to come for the quality of football played, there is still huge controversy in the country when it comes to social issues.
During the World Cup, the issues facing the LGBTQ+ community in Qatar was continuously under the spotlight. Teams had protests during the game, while the decision to host the World Cup in Qatar was met with huge backlash.
The issue if the extreme heat in the country will also be an issue. Due to dangerously hot conditions during Summer in Qatar, this became the first World Cup held in winter.
Should they face the British and Irish Lions, it would likely be in June, just after a long season with players possibly off the back of European and domestic finals.
While the expansion of rugby is crucial in order to create new fans and create more wealth in the game, this could be one method that will be hard to sell.
SEE ALSO: Munster V Northampton Descended Into Absolute Chaos
