Celebrating excellence at the second edition of Sport360 UAE Rugby Awards

Matt Jones - Editor 12:51 07/12/2014
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  • Inaugural winners: Some of the award winners last April with their trophies.

    The second edition of the Sport360° UAE Rugby Awards will be held in April next year, recognising the players, coaches, officials and volunteers that made the 2014/15 season such a success.

    There will be a total of 12 categories at the ceremony, which will be held on April 9 at a venue to be confirmed, with nominations open from mid-February.

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    New Zealand legend Jonah Lomu was in attendance this year, along with former England international Steve Thompson, ex-Scotland scrum-half Rory Lawson and international referee Alain Rolland and organisers have promised another stellar cast. 

    UAE Rugby Federation secretary general Qais Al Dhalai said: “The inaugural awards was a resounding success and one that the entire rugby industry supported. The sell-out attendance was a clear message that the awards are an important event for the rugby community.”

    He added: “We are delighted to announce the second annual awards in partnership with Sport360° and look forward to celebrating the growth of the game, and will soon announce the special guests for this year.”

    Jebel Ali Dragons hooker Sean Crombie capped a fine season as he became the first ever senior player of the year last April.

    The Emirati senior player of the year award went to Hassan Al Noobi while teenage Abu Dhabi Harlequins duo Iziq Foa’i and Adel Al Hendi have gone on to build on the awards they received.

    Foa’i picked up the best young expatriate player while Al Hendi walked away with the best young Emirati player award.

    Sport360° CEO Michael Chalhoub said: “The incredible gala Sport360° hosted last April was a huge success for us, and all the prominent people that make rugby such an entertaining and acclaimed sport in the UAE.

    “We had the pleasure of receiving 400 of the UAE’s finest players, coaches, officials and volunteers, and recognised the best in a widely acclaimed event. 

    “We will make sure to host another amazing event, and bring well deserved recognition to the players, coaches, officials and volunteers that made the 2014/15 season a success.

    “We will accommodate over 500 national and international guests and, given that 2015 is an exciting World Cup year, we will have some great surprises in store for everyone. We are truly looking forward to another great night of entertainment and celebrations.”

    The nominations for each of the 12 categories will be announced in February, and will be open for voting at www.sport360.com.

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