Abu Dhabi Harlequins' Mike McFarlane left counting the cost as injuries mount up for champions

Matt Jones - Editor 22:28 23/10/2017
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  • Champions Abu Dhabi Harlequins are the only team in UAE rugby fielding four teams this season, and it’s a good job they have plenty in reserve as the first-team squad are being stretched to the limit in the early weeks of the campaign.

    Already shorn of star trio Patrick Jenkinson, Brian Geraghty and Willie Umu who all departed for pastures new in the summer, the club was dealt a crippling blow last week when talisman Ben Bolger announced his retirement, aged just 28, due to ongoing concussion issues.

    Coach Mike McFarlane must feel like he’s putting fires out at every turn, with the news that another key trio will also be sidelined for the season by injury.

    Phil Abraham, Garth van Niekirk and Muneeb Galaxy have all been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign, leaving Quins severely hampered.

    But McFarlane is remaining stoic, revealing adversity is being met with determination by his squad.

    “We are at an interesting and testing time where we have lost so many first-team players from last year and now with season-ending injuries to several players,” said McFarlane, whose injury-ravaged side chalked up a gritty 25-17 win over Dubai Hurricanes on Friday to remain unbeaten after three games.

    “But that adversity is being knocked down by the boys through hard work and excellent club culture which has always been paramount. The boys are training hard and I couldn’t ask any more of them.

    “The quality that our second XV provide in training and games has so far kept the first XV ticking and to stand unbeaten after a grueling Champions League and opening set of fixtures is testament to the players and coaching team.

    “It was a good win on Friday and we were happy to battle through. One game in October when the season goes on until April is frustrating for continuity and we have another week off now also.”

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