The budding partnership between Abu Dhabi Saracens and Premiership giants Saracens is to strengthen when young winger Xavier Bauwmans travels to England on Monday for a one-month long training camp.
Bauwmans, 20, has been rewarded with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with the professional side’s Academy after enjoying a breakthrough campaign last term.
The South African impressed during his first year with the Al Ghazal outfit, scoring three tries for the seniors during the club’s debut Gulf Top Six campaign.
As part of the increasing tie up between the two outfits, he departs for a four-week spell in London next week with a leading youth set-up.
Although there is no clause at present to make the move permanent, there is an understanding that if the pacey back impresses there could be future opportunities for him.
For no8 Ali Thompson, Bauwmans’ chance should provide plenty of encouragement to youngsters in the UAE.
“Xavier came in last year, showing lots of pace and potential,” he said. “That was noticed by Saracens coaches who travelled out here, with that ability being rewarded with this offer.
“It is a fantastic opportunity to show what he can do. Young players can often feel that when they are in the UAE they are out of the limelight and away from the gaze of professional clubs.
“This shows that is not the case, sending out a message to all young players out here that you can be seen by the right people when playing in the UAE.”
Bauwmans is expected to return to the UAE in August, ready to partake in preparations for the UAE Premiership’s kick off in October.
