Neil Palmer’s legacy celebrated with award created in his honour

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  • Maximilian (l) and Louise Palmer (c) with Trevor Gregory.

    The achievements of former Arabian Knights chairman Neil Palmer were celebrated at the 2014-2015 UAE Rugby Annual Awards, with wife Louise touched by the fact his “memory, legacy and enthusiasm” continues to be felt.

    Palmer, 45, passed away at his home in February from a heart attack, sending the local fraternity into shock. He was a standout figure in Asian rugby, combining with his wife to set up the Knights six years ago.

    Palmer’s achievements were marked by the UAE Rugby Federation when they renamed the Ultimate Recognition Award in his honour for the second running of the annual event.

    Son Maximilian and Louise – who has been named the club’s chairwoman as successor – were both present on Thursday night to hear about how the Neil Palmer Award will recognise those who have invested time, energy and passion and made a significant contribution to growing the UAE game.

    She said: “It is absolutely fantastic that Neil’s memory, legacy and enthusiasm for rugby lives on.

    “I am constantly overwhelmed still by the support we have in the rugby community. It means a lot to get it from [Asian Rugby Football Union president] Trevor Gregory. He was our club chairman in Hong Kong, and it was great to receive it from someone we’ve known for a long time.”

    Palmer’s legacy was felt throughout the event. The Knights came away with the Team Fair Play Award and a section of UAERF chairman Mohammed Falaknaz’s opening address was dedicated to him.

    He said: “We were all saddened by the sudden loss of inspirational Arabian Knights chairman Neil Palmer.

    “The entire rugby community is here for the Palmer family and to support the whole Arabian Knights club during this difficult time.

    “The UAERF believes that renaming the Ultimate Recognition Award to the Neil Palmer Award will create a great legacy for UAE rugby towards excellence.

    “All the awards are recognition for those who have excelled throughout the rugby season, both on and off the pitch.

    “This is thanks to the massive support from the rugby clubs and the wider rugby community.

    “2014 has also witnessed the UAE Rugby Federation being awarded the Asian Rugby Football Union development award after a big competition.”

    Meanwhile, the future of the sport came under the spotlight as the brightest young talents in the UAE came away with the prizes.

    Half of the 16 categories were dedicated to the Under-18s, with four of these going to the Al Ain Amblers.

    “It is an honour for me to win this award,” said fly-half Ebrahim Kamal Doraee, the 18-year-old winner of the Best Youth Emirati Talent of the Season gong.

    “It is thanks to Al Ain Amblers. I also had support from my family and the national team.

    “[UAE team manager] Mohamed Shaker helped me especially and the UAE Rugby Federation. They told me to keep work harder all the time.

    “I hope to become a regular with the national team. It is always an honour to play for your national team, we want to go to the World Cup.”

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