EXCLUSIVE: Dafydd James has expressed his desire to get involved in the UAE rugby setup amid claims of player mutiny within the national team ranks. But despite living in the country for a year, the former Wales and British Lions star is yet to be approached.
Sport360° today revealed there are a number of players refusing to play for the country due to anger and frustration over the current structure, from the board level down.
A source within the team told us he could name “8-10 players” refusing to play because of the way “things are being run and administered” by the UAE Rugby Association, which includes “no structure, no strength and conditioning program, or any facilities ourselves.”
And James, who is a resident in the UAE, has declared his interest in helping the UAE side, but somewhat surprisingly, the 48-capped former Wales international has not been contacted.
“Absolutely. I would love to get involved, I’ve said that from day one when I arrived in the UAE,” James told Sport360°. “I came to this part of the world to explore new avenues and, without sounding egotistical, the pedigree I have got will probably best be suited to a role in coaching or in an advisory capacity.”
With his wealth of experience, which includes three World Cups, numerous Five and Six Nations tournaments, and the 2001 British Lions tour to Australia, he has plenty of insight into what UAE rugby now needs.
“The coaching has to be looked at and I believe that from the people I’ve talked to, it’s in a bit of a mess,” he reveals.
“What I would do would be to be bring in coaching methods from a professional environment – which I have just come out of – with new techniques, new game plans and most importantly, just getting back to basics.
“The coaches clearly need a hand and I would be more than willing to help out and offer my professional opinion, if they so want it.”
James believes it is clear there are fundamental issues within the setup which need to be addressed if rugby in the country is to develop and improve.
“The management structure in the UAE is something they haven’t got right; it appears that (UAERA CEO) Ian Bremner is fighting for his position.
“I don’t really know any of the coaching staff he has around him, but its clear to see that things just aren’t right at the moment.”
He added: “The UAERA need to realise there is clearly something missing and I would like to think I could offer something. But it’s up to the powers that be.”
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