When Abu Dhabi Harlequins begin their attempt to re-assert themselves as the Middle East’s leading rugby power next season, they will be missing one key component – their captain.
Billy Graham will just be an interested observer when the UAE Premiership kicks off in October, reluctantly stepping aside from all playing duties for the time being to dedicate himself to building up his new CrossFit Yas by Vogue Fitness venture.
The complex demands of establishing a business have led the 26-year-old towards capital rivals Abu Dhabi Saracens, where he can be found for the next two months using his expertise as a coach to drill the players during a gruelling pre-season fitness regime.
Such commitments mean Graham – plus business partner and fellow ex-Quin Patrick Hegarty – will not be present on the pitch as the Zayed Sports City outfit attempt to gain revenge for defeats in last season’s ARFU West Asia Champion Club and Dubai Sevens finals.
“The Harlequins have been a significant part of my life since I have been here,” he said. “The first person that greeted me off the plane when I arrived four years ago was a Quin. I have made my best friends in Abu Dhabi there.
“I have always led by example, with my position as flanker meaning I had to take some big hits. I cannot work when I am injured, so that was a factor.
“Not being as involved as I was during the last few years will be tough, but [player-coach] Jeremy Manning is onto something special.
“With the unfinished business of the Sevens and Gulf Top Six, it will be disappointing not to lead the guys to titles.
“Jeremy and [chairman] Andy Cole are both very good people, understanding my decision and being 100 per cent supportive.”
Graham’s gym at the Yas Marina opens on August 30.
Away from the hard graft, he has been getting Saracens into fighting shape with hour-long sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays after the club enlisted dedicated fitness professionals for the first time.
“We know that Saracens are one of the most physical teams in the league,” Graham said. “At half-time in every game I played them it was a contest, but in the second half they deteriorated.
“We figured with our expertise we could make them better prepared for the season ahead. In turn, making the capital a better rugby playing emirate.”
