{"id":81328,"date":"2025-07-23T10:23:56","date_gmt":"2025-07-23T09:23:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/?p=81328"},"modified":"2025-07-23T10:23:56","modified_gmt":"2025-07-23T09:23:56","slug":"qatar-duty-free-celebrates-qatar-airways-lions-sponsorship-with-the-launch-of-a-new-rugby-store-at-hamad-international-airport","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/qatar-duty-free-celebrates-qatar-airways-lions-sponsorship-with-the-launch-of-a-new-rugby-store-at-hamad-international-airport\/","title":{"rendered":"Qatar Duty Free Celebrates Qatar Airways\u2019 Lions Sponsorship with the Launch of a New Rugby Store at Hamad International Airport"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Qatar Duty Free (QDF) is bringing a fresh burst of sporting energy to Hamad International Airport with the opening of its Rugby Store in Concourse B. Opening to coincide with the 2025 British &amp; Irish Lions tour of Australia, this new space is set to delight fans and travellers alike with its bold, playful design and welcoming atmosphere.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p>As the Official Title Partner and Official Airline Partner of the tour, Qatar Airways is bringing the spirit of rugby to life in the skies, while QDF curates a fan-focused retail experience honouring this global partnership.<\/p>\n<p>Step inside and you\u2019ll find a store dedicated to two of rugby\u2019s most celebrated teams, the British &amp; Irish Lions and the Wallabies. Designed to emulate the essence of the rugby field, the space features vibrant team colours and fitting rooms styled after player lockers. Locker-style cubbies and benches evoke the camaraderie of a team changing room, while the astroturf flooring underfoot adds a pitch-inspired touch, making it easy for fans and customers to imagine lining up alongside rugby\u2019s greats.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/RUGBY-STORE-QDF-2.jpg\"><img data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/RUGBY-STORE-QDF-2.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/RUGBY-STORE-QDF-2-300x181.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/RUGBY-STORE-QDF-2-480x289.jpg 480w\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/RUGBY-STORE-QDF-2.jpg\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-81331 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" alt=\"\"    sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-81331\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/RUGBY-STORE-QDF-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"361\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/RUGBY-STORE-QDF-2.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/RUGBY-STORE-QDF-2-300x181.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/RUGBY-STORE-QDF-2-480x289.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><\/p>\n<p>One of the store\u2019s highlights is the corridor photo booth, where travellers can snap a shot in front of digital goal posts and take home a memory from their journey \u2013 no tackling involved. The merchandise selection includes replica shirts for adults and kids, official rugby balls, and a range of accessories, making it easy for fans to pick up their strip en route to Australia or simply grab a memorable souvenir on the go.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/RUGBY-STORE-QDF-3.jpg\"><img data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/RUGBY-STORE-QDF-3.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/RUGBY-STORE-QDF-3-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/RUGBY-STORE-QDF-3-480x720.jpg 480w\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/RUGBY-STORE-QDF-3.jpg\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-81332 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" alt=\"\"    sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-81332\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/RUGBY-STORE-QDF-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/RUGBY-STORE-QDF-3.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/RUGBY-STORE-QDF-3-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/RUGBY-STORE-QDF-3-480x720.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Taking the passenger experience to the next level, QDF welcomed rugby legend Martin Johnson to the Rugby Store for a special appearance. This experiential moment is part of QDF\u2019s broader strategy to surprise and delight passengers, making every journey through Hamad International Airport unforgettable.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/MARTIN-JOHNSON-AT-RUGBY-STORE-QDF-1.jpg\"><img data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/MARTIN-JOHNSON-AT-RUGBY-STORE-QDF-1.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/MARTIN-JOHNSON-AT-RUGBY-STORE-QDF-1-300x179.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/MARTIN-JOHNSON-AT-RUGBY-STORE-QDF-1-480x286.jpg 480w\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/MARTIN-JOHNSON-AT-RUGBY-STORE-QDF-1.jpg\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-81329 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" alt=\"\"    sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-81329\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/MARTIN-JOHNSON-AT-RUGBY-STORE-QDF-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"358\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/MARTIN-JOHNSON-AT-RUGBY-STORE-QDF-1.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/MARTIN-JOHNSON-AT-RUGBY-STORE-QDF-1-300x179.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/MARTIN-JOHNSON-AT-RUGBY-STORE-QDF-1-480x286.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The opening of the Rugby Store further highlights QDF\u2019s ongoing support for major international sporting events. With a longstanding commitment to tennis, golf, football, Formula 1 and now rugby, QDF continues to find new ways to bring the excitement of global sport into the airport environment, making every journey through Hamad International Airport just that bit more memorable. Travellers passing through Doha are invited to visit the Rugby Store, discover the latest team kits, and capture a photo to mark their journey. Open to all guests at Hamad International Airport, the store brings a new dimension of sporting excitement and a unique experience for rugby fans and curious travellers alike.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/RUGBY-STORE-QDF-1.jpg\"><img data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/RUGBY-STORE-QDF-1.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/RUGBY-STORE-QDF-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/RUGBY-STORE-QDF-1-480x319.jpg 480w\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/RUGBY-STORE-QDF-1.jpg\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-81330 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" alt=\"\"    sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-81330\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/RUGBY-STORE-QDF-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/RUGBY-STORE-QDF-1.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/RUGBY-STORE-QDF-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/RUGBY-STORE-QDF-1-480x319.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Commenting on the opening, Mr. Thabet Musleh, Chief Retail and Hospitality Officer, Qatar Airways Group, said: <em>\u201cWe\u2019re really excited to open the Rugby Store here at Hamad International Airport &#8211; it\u2019s something different, and we think travellers are going to love it. At Qatar Duty Free, we\u2019re always looking for new ways to make the airport experience more fun and memorable, and what better way than bringing a bit of rugby spirit right into the terminal? Whether you\u2019re a rugby fan heading to Australia or just curious, there\u2019s something for everyone &#8211; great merchandise, a fun photo booth, and a space that really feels like you\u2019re stepping onto the pitch.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Qatar Duty Free (QDF) is bringing a fresh burst of sporting energy to Hamad International Airport with the opening of its Rugby Store in Concourse [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":81333,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7090,7089,1],"tags":[16526,16527,69,39,751,1474,14349,236,16529,216,16528],"class_list":["post-81328","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-accessories","category-clothing-shoes","category-latest-news","tag-2025-british-irish-lions-tour-of-australia","tag-british-irish-lions","tag-duty-free","tag-dutyfree","tag-hamad-international-airport","tag-qatar-airways","tag-qatar-airways-group","tag-qatar-duty-free","tag-rugby-store","tag-travel-retail","tag-wallabies"],"acf":[],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81328","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=81328"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81328\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":81335,"href":"https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81328\/revisions\/81335"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/81333"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=81328"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=81328"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=81328"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}