Dubai Hurricanes player Gwillym Poole will be attending the Dubai Sevens this weekend, but in a slightly more unusual role than you might imagine– he’ll be manager and assistant coach of the Kukri Cobras, essentially the USA’s second string.
Poole, commercial manager at rugby equipment providers Kukri Middle East and Africa, helped establish the Yalla Kukri team with Yalla Rugby website founder and local rugby photographer Alex Johnson.
Through his Kukri colleague Chris Marshall – an Abu Dhabi Harlequins player – Poole was introduced to USA Eagles’ team manager Dominic Budzisz.
In a 12-month period Poole has gone from managing the Yalla Kukri team to being asked to help coach the Cobras in both the opening leg of the 2017/18 World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai this weekend, as well as the fourth leg in the US’ back yard, Las Vegas, next March.
Poole, 33, hopes it will all eventually prove to be a stepping stone towards a coaching career once he eventually hangs up his boots.
“I hope to gain as much experience as I can from this weekend,” said the Englishman, who has lived in Dubai for the last four years and played his first three years at Dubai Sharks.
“Rugby is my life and to work within a professional team is the dream, I’m too old to do it now as a player so why not as a manager or coach.”
It’s been a whirlwind 12 months for Poole, who has plunged into the challenge with both feet since being approached by Marshall – who himself has coaching experience on the USA 7s circuit.
Poole, who gained his coaching awards while on a rugby scholarship at the University of Central Lancashire in conjunction with Newcastle Falcons, added: “Last year I set up the Yalla Kukris with Alex, including all sponsors for our local Gulf Men’s Open team with Yalla Rugby and Kukri Sports in partnership.
“While I was working on that I also I took on the role as team manager/coach and it went really well.From there, I was introduced to one of the USA managers, Dominic. He and Chris asked me if I would be interested to do the same for them at the Dubai 7s this year and possibly forward onto Las Vegas.
“Of course, I said yes, and have spent the last eight months putting together everything we need, from Kukri kit, hotels, vehicles etc.”
Cobras head coach is Chris Roberts with Budzisz as manager and Poole, ironically from Poole in Dorset, admits he’s relished being part of the preparations for Dubai, where the Cobras face Germany Development, Georgia 7s and Froggies in the International Invitation Men’s division.
“As the weekend gets closer the conversations and communications are becoming regular,” added Poole.
“Some including plans with the USA which of course, I can’t really disclose. We also have meetings planned leading upto the tournament where I plan to gain further experience and insight.”
Poole has grand plans for his dugout debut and that of the Cobras in Dubai, aiming to end the weekend as champions.
“We feel as a unit we can win each game and become champions,” said Poole, who played against the UAE for the Conference Barbarians earlier this year.
“This is our short-term goal as we hope for this team to grow and be involved in further tournaments around the world.Next up is Las Vegas and Hong Kong.
“The talent in this squad is huge. We have some of the biggest names from the sevens circuit and we are extremely proud to have these guys play for us.
“Players from the USA squad like Chris Mattina and Kevon Williams coming into our squad means we are going to be up there in terms of the final.
“Add in the experience and talent of Ryno Benjamin, Wes Pooley and the other great players we have, we should be putting on a fantastic show for all the spectators and fans.
“Our aim is also to raise the profile of Kukri Sports in the Middle East in conjunction with our other sponsors while trying to bring the best rugby players to the Middle East. Kukri Sports is seeking to align itself as a brand with the best globally and I feel the Cobras squad reflects that.”
After missing out on glory in the Gulf Men’s Open with Yalla Kukri a year ago, Poole also hopes it will be a double celebration for Kukri this year.
“Yalla Kukri’s aim will be to dominate after cruelly missing out on the final last year.
“We have been training well for weeks with the six new players in the squad and it’s all going really well. We are focused on getting Yalla Kukri to become champions.”
