RUGBY – International rugby star Sean McNulty is all praise for the kingdom’s “thriving” rugby community, and backs Bahrain’s First XV to unleash their “attractive brand of rugby” as they step up their bid to capture the crown in the 2025-26 Men’s West Asia Premiership.
The 30-year-old, Irish-born professional, who currently plays as a hooker with the Seattle Seawolves in Major League Rugby (MLR) in the US, recently enjoyed some quality time in the kingdom during the MLR off-season.
McNulty had spent several years of his youth growing up in Bahrain with his family, and after returning to the UK for his higher education, has since competed at the highest levels of the game.
McNulty expressed his delight with being back on the island after more than a decade, and shared that he made even more lifelong memories both on and off the rugby pitch during his stay.
“It’s been 10 years since I was last in Bahrain – I came to visit in 2015 after I had played for Ireland in the under-20 world cup – and the kingdom has developed so much since I was here last,” McNulty told the GDN in an exclusive interview.
“I originally came out to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s with my family, and I was having such a nice time I decided to stay and train with the rugby club for some weeks before I go back to pre-season.
“I really enjoyed going to Manama Nights in the souq – it was cool to experience the ‘old Bahrain’ and see it being celebrated.”
McNulty credits his time in the kingdom, particularly at Bahrain Rugby Club (BRC) in Saar, for igniting his passion for sports, particularly for rugby.
“The club is a special place for my whole family,” he said.
“My dad played for the club in the 80s and 90s and I believe even my mom played in the Dubai Sevens with Bahrain. We’ve still got all my dad’s old Bahrain jerseys at home from back then.”
“I have a lot of fond memories from when I was younger – I spent a vast majority of my time down at the rugby club so sports was a big part of my life.
“I loved watching the First XV play, but also it was really fun when my team would go on trips to Dubai or Doha to play in matches or tournaments for the weekend. That was a cool experience.”
During his latest visit, McNulty was able to realise his boyhood dream of playing in the Bahrain kit.
He laced up his boots for the First XV in two Men’s West Asia Premiership matches – both played on home turf at BRC – first against the Abu Dhabi Harlequins First XV in January and then facing the Dubai Exiles First XV earlier this month.
“I originally just asked if it was OK with them if I came and trained with the team for a few weeks while I was back – I had always dreamed of playing for Bahrain one day, but I didn’t expect to get the opportunity to do it on this trip,” explained McNulty. “I’m so happy it worked out.”
McNulty lauded his teammates and the impressive level of competitiveness he experienced, not only in playing with the First XV but also in watching Bahrain’s Second XV in 2025-26 Men’s UAE Division One action.
“What stood out most was the high standard of the league these days,” he said. “There are so many good players and coaches in the Gulf now, so the style of rugby is really good.
“I was really impressed by the whole Bahrain RC set-up, and the fact they’re able to field almost 60 players every week between the first and second men’s teams is absolutely incredible.
“Some players that really stood out to me were guys like McKenzie Oliver, Jack Hocking, and Gregor Smith – but honestly everyone on the team was very good.”
Bahrain won both games with McNulty in the line-up – victories that are part of their incredible undefeated campaign so far.
The kingdom’s representatives also boasted a pristine record at the end of the premiership’s preliminary round last season but then missed out on the title, having suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the final against eventual champions the Dubai Hurricanes First XV.
Bahrain have one fixture remaining prior to this campaign’s Men’s West Asia Premiership semi-finals, and McNulty is confident that the team are “driven to right the wrongs” from last year’s shocking disappointment and this time going all the way to the claiming championship.
“I know everyone who was involved last year is still hurting from the final, and I’m sure they know what went wrong and have since improved on it,” he said.
“You can really tell that the whole squad and management are driven to right the wrongs of last season, and it’s showing in their results after Christmas. Not only are they winning games, they’re playing a really attractive brand of rugby, and they’re ruthless playing the whole 80 minutes.”
McNulty highlighted that rugby in Bahrain is “in such a great place” – and not only at the men’s level.
“The rugby club is thriving with members and the facilities are the best I’ve seen in the world for a rugby club, not just the Gulf,” he stressed.
“Being able to field 60 players each week at the men’s level – as well as golden oldies, colts, and mini rugby – the sport is strong in the kingdom.
“Having local kids who have come up through the mini rugby system and now playing with the men’s team is another awesome achievement for the club.
“The game of rugby in Bahrain is in such a great place.”
McNulty flew back to Ireland around a fortnight ago and is now gearing up for the new season of the MLR, which kicks off at the end of March.
With his batteries fully recharged from his visit to the kingdom, McNulty is looking ahead to making a strong impact with the Seawolves and also with the US men’s national team, nicknamed the Eagles, whom he now represents.
“I’m really excited to get back into the MLR season,” McNulty shared.
“I feel I’m in a really good place physically and mentally, and I really believe that training and playing with Bahrain has helped me prepare massively.”
“Having played for the US national team for the past two seasons, I’ve got a goal of making the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup squad, but I know there is a lot to focus on before then.”
“Staying healthy and playing my best rugby for Seattle is my first priority.”
McNulty’s father Aidan first arrived on the island in 1985. He met his wife Sandra in Bahrain, and after getting married, they welcomed McNulty into the world in 1995.
McNulty’s older brother Harry is also a rugby international, who represented Ireland in the men’s rugby sevens tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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