England and British & Irish Lions winger Ugo Monye believes rugby mad youngsters in the Middle East could have no better learning environment than in the UAE.
The London Harlequins player was a special guest at the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Harlequins Junior Rugby Festival that took place at Zayed Sports City.
The 31-year-old, currently sidelined with a groin injury, holds a special place in his heart for the UAE. Monye previously represented England Sevens at the Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens throughout the 2002/03 and 2003/04 HSBC Sevens World Series.
Monye was an ambassador for sponsor HSBC throughout the weekend and described the action on show and the organisation of the event as “unbelievable”.
Monye said: “It’s been brilliant. The energy of the kids, playing in +30 degree heat and three or four games a day, has been unreal and I’ve seen a lot of quality players.
“The whole organisation of the tournament and all the staff, from groundsmen up, is unreal and the manner in which the tournament has been played is unbelievable.
“I’ve absolutely loved it. I’m fortunate that HSBC have got me out here as an ambassador. It’s great to watch the rugby, get inv-olved and hopefully I’ve passed on some words of wisdom.”
He certainly feels the Abu Dhabi tournament provides UAE youngsters with a better developing environment than anything in the UK.
“There is nothing on this scale back home. Just look at the facilities. They’re playing in the backdrop of their national football stadium, that’s an unreal venue," added Monye.
“In the back of their minds they should be thinking that if they work really hard, they have the potential to play in a venue like that.”
Monye has been blown away by just how much rugby in the Middle East is growing.
“It’s really caught fire and I can’t imagine a much better place in the world than being out here. Rugby’s so big out here, it’s amazing how it’s caught on. If you can ever come out here to the UAE, you have got to do it, 100 per cent.”
