Dubai Sharks’ win over Xodus Wasps 2nds last Friday night added to a special atmosphere that had been buzzing throughout the Gawn household all week.
That’s because father and son Dan and Zac Gawn played alongside each other in the blue of the Sharks, with each contributing to their team’s 12-3 triumph – Sharks’ second win from three games in the Sport360° UAE Conference this season.
It was a match dominated by the forwards, with 22-year-old blindside flanker Zac putting in a man-of-the-match performance and wily veteran loose-head prop Dan, 48, completing 80 minutes.
Both admitted the build-up to the game had been a little more special than usual, after it was announced that Gawn senior and junior would be lining up alongside each other earlier in the week.
“There’s been quite a bit of a buzz around the club this week, we’ve both had a bit of ribbing,” said Dan. “It’s why I got back into playing this year though. I reassessed at the end of the previous campaign and for me, it was a motivating factor to come back and play with my son.”
He added: “It was a really special game for me, with Zac playing. It’s hard to describe.”
Zac said: “There’s been a few jokes but it’s all been good natured.”
In Zac’s debut season for Sharks, Friday was only his second game: “I’ve not played in three years. I had double shoulder surgery back home in New Zealand and my surgeon told me to give up rugby.
“I sat on the sidelines for a while, but I decided to make a return this year, and it was a big motivator to be playing alongside dad.”
The family are originally from Auckland, but Dan moved to the UAE in 2009. Dan, who also acts as forwards coach, was pleased with the effort of the Sharks’ pack:
“It was a hard game and a good result. I actually thought Zac was man of the match, and I was very, very proud of him.”
He added: “Zac did some great work in the scrum and his all-round mobility around the field was excellent. It was only his second game for Sharks in his debut season and he didn’t look out of place – I was probably the one out of place.”
Zac believes Sharks are an exciting, young side this year – the old timer apart: “He gets around the pitch more than most guys and played the whole 80 minutes. The front row put in an exceptional performance too.”
His dad has played rugby for 42 years, but Zac’s not sure if he’ll have such a prolonged career.
“I’m not sure about that, it’s more that I can’t be shown up by him.
“There’s definitely some friendly competition between us. There was one moment in the game where dad dropped the ball, which was quite funny, but it was the only thing he did wrong. He played really well.” One person who perhaps didn’t enjoy the game as much as the boys was wife and mum Shanthe.
“Dad was meant to retire 10 years ago, so I don’t think mum’s too happy that he’s still playing, but she was really proud of both of us,” joked Zac. “She’s a typical mum though, she doesn’t like the contact in rugby, but having her on the sidelines was brilliant.”
Both Gawns are hoping there’s more days and results like Friday this season: “It’s positive and things are coming together, we’re looking good; there’s lots of belief,” said Zac.
“Wasps were our nemesis last season, but the result showed what we’re about.”
