Rugby in Syria...

Everytime I read the news about this terrible civil war ongoing in Syria, I also think of this old French postcard showing dynamic rugby action under the minarets of Damascus...

No idea of the exact date, but early 20s when Damascus was under French ruling... (cf Wikipedia: French Mandate for Syria and the Lebanon)

The back of the card explains that this is a rugby game played by French Army vs British Forces in Palestine (cf Wikipedia: British Mandate for Palestine)... and 19-14 victory for the Frogs !

The card was written by "Fernand", the soldier/rugby player who wrote to his family how he made the decisive pass to the French winger scoring the winning try on this postcard!

I just love when rugby memorabilia also recalls the real people behind the stories...

And, hoping for miracles..., I'd like to identify the army troops playing rugby here and possibly find evidences (newspaper, archives...) of this match somewhere: any hint welcome!

 

Comments

[MUAWIA HARB]

HI I'M A RUGBY PLAYER .
I PLAY RUGBY IN SYRIA AND I WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THAT PLEASE

[Frederic (www.rugby-pioneers.com)]

Hello Muawia,

Thanks for your comment, and Im happy to hear about a rugby player in Syria !

Im afraid that I have no other informations... Ive given all known details in my blog post :-(

I was hoping that someone in Damas could help...

PS: your Facebook cover picture is great !

Frédéric Humbert
www.rugby-pioneers.com
www.twitter.com/frederic

[Hani]

Hello Fredric,

I knew where this photo was taken in and i have more information about it, if you would like to know it let me know please.

and i wish to tell you more about our team that called Zenobians if you are interested to know please do not hesitate to contact me.

Hani

[Frederic (www.rugby-pioneers.com)]

Hello Hani,

Thanks a lot for your comment.

Well, I know a little bit about the Zenobians as I came accross your web site while searching about rugby in Syria... but Ill surely appreciate some more infos and some details about my old picture !

Best regards

Frederic

Frédéric Humbert
www.rugby-pioneers.com
www.twitter.com/frederic