Beit Jala Lions

Beit Jala Lions-لايونز بيت جالا -is the first rugby football club in Palestine, situated in the town of Beit Jala, near Bethlehem. The club is known for being passionate players, crazy drinkers, and great guys always in for a good fun. Bar Maria is the headquarters of BJL. www.beitjalalions.com

Early History

The team started in October 2007, when Martin Bisztrai came to Beit Jala for his anthropological studies. Bisztrai had already played in the Hungarian national rugby team, and clubs in England. In Beit Jala he met young men that were ready for some sport, thus came Rugby. The team worked very hard, and practiced a full whole year before traveling to Cyprus on October 2008 to compete with other rugby clubs.

Over the first few months of practice, the team was the talk of the town, and more people became interested to join the team. At some point during late 2007/early 2008, there were 15 players for the BJL, although 7's rugby was envisioned for the team. After some intense internal conflicts, and departures of few players, the BJL got back on its feet with the help of Kevin Kelleher and Liam O'Brian from Ireland. The two Irish lads became sponsors from the Munster Supporter Club, Limerick.

With new equipments, new support, new players, and a new spirit, the BJL set off to their most destined months of practice, that would establish their future as the first rugby football club in Palestine. Suprisingly, another team formed in a different Palestinian city, Rammallah. Jake Lomax put together the Rammallah Blue Snakes, which consisted of foreign volunteers. Their first full contact match took place in March 2008, in Khader (Close to Beit Jala).

Cyprus Tour 2008

The BJL travelled to Cyprus to take part in the Pathos Tag Rugby Tournament 2008, and to play against Pathos Tigers and Limassol Crusaders.The BJL were the victors of the Pathos Tag Rugby Tournament, and celebrated with a usual beer drinking session. Although the BJL could not win the extremely experienced teams of Pathos Tigers and Limassol Crusaders, it could not be more clear that BJL put on a strong defense and attack, and that the team had a bright future in the rugby world. it should be noted that the BJL players did however win every drinking game after the rugby matches. they even won in arm wrestling.

Future Plans

The BJL will have a tag rugby match against the Rammallah Blue Snakes in the Taybeh Oktober festival 2008. Later on, Beit Jala Lions will play host for a Tag Rugby Tournament in Palestine, with teams coming from Ireland. Also, the committee of the team is organzing next season's plans, and on new ways to promote rugby in Palestine.

Players

Martin Bisztrai (coach until October 2oo8) fullback/flyhalf

George Antonio Maria , second row/number 8

Jason Pollack , flanker/scrum half

Samer Tareh , second row Jamal Abu Farha, prop

Saleem Moussa Anfous , prop/flanker

Nicola Stefan ,(coach from October 2oo8) scrum half/flyhalf

Pari Gedeon , flanker/inside center

Usama Khamis , wing

Najeeb Makhlouf ,hooker/flanker

Tony Ballout , wing

Apo Sahagian , outside center/wing

Dr. Nassar Khamis (Chairman)

Sponsorship

BJL is always greatful for sponsorships from various instututions. First of all, the Irish Representitive Office in Rammallah, St. Mary University of United States of America, and last but not least Bethlehem University have been very vital in donations and being a helping hand to the team. Other various companies and social entities in Beit Jala have also been generous to the financial success of the Beit Jala Lions first season/year.