The UAE will again have to rely on invitations to take part in this year’s Asia Rugby Sevens Series (ARSS) after they were beaten 24-22 by Chinese Taipei in a thrilling final at the Al Ain Sevens.
Victory for Taipei made it back-to-back triumphs in the two legs of the Asia Rugby Development Sevens Series following their win in Chennai the previous weekend, and it is they who qualify automatically for the three legs of the ARSS later this year.
Due to their Chennai victory, Taipei clinched ARSS qualification by beating the Philippines in the Cup semi-final at Al Ain Rugby Club, but both teams put on a thrilling display to bring the curtain down on the tournament.
Apollo Perelini’s men were 10-0 down early but Imad Reyal’s brilliance saw him reduce the deficit and they were level when Al Ain Amblers youngster Devante Steele robbed a defender to score.
When Steele was sin-binned for taking a Taipei player out in the air from the second-half kick-off, they took full advantage to open up a 24-10 lead.
The hometown hero crossed for a second try following his return after more ingenuity from string-puller Reyal and clubmate Jerry Kilicanasau, although Hassan Al Noobi’s missed conversion would prove costly. Reyal scored a second try inside the final minute, but Taipei held on to nick a thriller.
UAE rugby performance manager Apollo Perelini was disappointed not to have won on home soil, but was proud of his team’s efforts.
“We had every chance to win but in rugby you blink, make a few mistakes and it costs you,” said the former Samoa dual code international.
“I’m proud of the guys. It’s been a hard couple of weeks, playing two tournaments back to back. A week is not much recovery. They worked really hard.”
He was encouraged by his first competitive games as coach but insists the hard work continues. “For my first series, it’s been brilliant for development. We’ve just got to keep building,” he said.
“We’ll work over the next year developing and bringing everyone up to the standard required to compete with the other developing nations. There’s a long way to go but lots to build on.”
