A little over a month ago he was getting his first taste of international rugby with the UAE Under-20’s at the Asia Rugby Sevens Series in Hong Kong and Malaysia.
Now, teenager Devante Steele is stepping up to the senior side, picked to be part of coach Roelof Kotze’s squad taking part in the second leg of the Asia Rugby Sevens Series in Thailand this weekend.
– UAE Premiership preview: AD lead the way
– Parisse: Italy ‘must-win’ final group games
– Matt Burke: Australia need to play as a unit
– RWC2015 Diary: Brighton at home as hosts
It’s been a mesmeric rise for the 18-year-old American, who will also be playing UAE Premiership rugby with Al Ain Amblers this season.
“It is a big step and I am honoured and can’t wait to get a crack at it,” said Steele. “The boys selected are class and I can’t wait to see what we can provide. Being the youngest in the team I am going to try and stay focused and do the best I can.”
The UAE head to Bangkok looking to enter the top eight of Asia’s sevens nations at the end of the three-leg series.
They find themselves in Pool C along with South Korea and the Philippines and will likely face Japan or Singapore in the Cup knockout rounds if they finish in the top two.
Congratulations to the selected players to represent UAE this weekend in the second leg of Asia Rugby 7’s Series!… http://t.co/GQNmyTghBW
— UAE Rugby Federation (@uaerugby) September 21, 2015
They finished ninth overall in China in leg one and Abu Dhabi Harlequins’ wing Adel Al Hendi, also called up to the seniors after featuring for the U-20’s, is firmly focused on the job at hand, despite having to miss the opening weekend of the new Premiership season.
“I’m chuffed to get the call-up. We’re going to Bangkok with a target and have worked exceptionally hard in training to fix mistakes and get our fitness levels higher,” said the 20-year-old.
“I’ve been in contact with Mike (McFarlane, Quins head coach). Quins are very supportive and understanding of the UAE commitments.
“I want to be involved with both but at the moment the priority is securing the top eight, not just for the team, but the whole country and the people supporting us. That will have such a positive effect on rugby in the UAE and the Gulf.”
