Rugby fans in the UAE are in for a treat as the domestic season gives way to the Bill McLaren Foundation (BMF) fortnight.
Following the success of their charity game against the UAE in the capital last year, the BMF are back but with an interesting twist.
This weekend will see the first of two games played between all-star sides from Abu Dhabi and Dubai as the cream of local rugby – and one or two special guests – go head-to-head not only for bragging rights, but also for a worthy cause.
The foundation was set-up in 2010 following the death of ‘The Voice of Rugby’ in order to promote the game and its values.
During a 50-year career, McLaren became a legend in the northern hemisphere and his commentary became the soundtrack for many fans’ fondest memories of rugby.
His standing in sport ensures that BMF are able to attract the biggest names, with Jason White and John Smit both in town over the next two weeks.
World Cup-winning South African Smit will host a dinner in Abu Dhabi on April 16 and a lunch in Dubai a day later, while former Scotland international White has agreed to dust off his boot and play for the Dubai All Stars.
“I am really looking forward to the events,” White said. “I last played [rugby] in the Veterans 10s tournament in Dubai [in November] and the boots are coming with me again this time.”
On McLaren, the former Scotland captain added: “He gave me one of my first nicknames in rugby when he described a run I made as being like ‘a mustang in full flow’. That stuck with me. He was a lovely and passionate man. His foundation now ensures that ethos survives without him.”
The first match will kick-off at 17:00 this Friday at Zayed Sports City with the return a week later at Dubai Sports City starting at 18:00.
Apolo Perillini, who will coach the Dubai side, said: “I had the privilege of having breakfast with the great Bill McLaren in Hong Kong during the sevens in 1990.
“As I ate breakfast, Bill wrote down the pronunciation of the Samoan team players first names andsurnames for his commentary; he was truly a man of great detail.”
As well as the action on the pitch, the foundation are also hosting the Bill McLaren Foundation Golf Day on April 16 at Emirates Golf Club, with a fundraising dinner on the same night at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
The next day there will also be a fundraising lunch in Dubai, again at Emirates Golf Club.
Leigh Halfpenny, who attended an event on behalf of the BMF last week, said he jumped at the chance to help the cause.
“It’s a great foundation that promotes rugby and its values,” he said. “Bill McLaren was a legend of the sport and someone I loved listening to when I was watching rugby growing up as a kid.”
Entry for the two rugby games is free, while a four-ball for the Golf Day costs Dh3,500. A 10-seat table at the Long Lunch with Smit is Dh4,250. A table at the dinner in Abu Dhabi starts at Dh2,000.
For more information contact [email protected].
What: Bill McLaren Foundation events
When: This Friday and April 18, All Stars Challenge; Golf Day and fundraising dinner on April 16; Foundation Lunch on April 17
Where: Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Dubai Sports City and Emirates Golf Club
Information: Email [email protected] or [email protected].
