AD Harlequins the main target of opponents during Gulf Men’s League

Matt Jones - Editor 09:58 03/12/2015
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  • In the line of fire: AD Harlequins (white) will be defending their Gulf Men’s League title.

    Abu Dhabi Harlequins will be the team everyone is targeting in the Gulf Men’s League at the Dubai Sevens, although toppling the reigning champions will be a taller task than their opponents realise.

    Aside from the fact that Mike McFarlane’s men are in fantastic form following a near flawless start to the UAE Premiership campaign, their electrifying corps of backs is tailor made for sevens rugby.

    There’s also the small matter of McFarlane having picked the brains of Fiji head coach Ben Ryan in the lead-up to the tournament.

    The defending World Rugby Sevens Series champions visited the reigning Gulf Men’s League title holders this week and McFarlane admits it was beneficial.

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    “It’s a brilliant learning curve learning from Ben. Listening to his philosophy and what’s behind it,” said McFarlane.

    “It was a great opportunity for the players and for me too.” McFarlane admits there’s a “real buzz” surrounding the Quins camp and all players are focused on retaining the trophy they won at a canter a year ago.

    “We want to enjoy it. We want to get out on that pitch and the boys are buzzing for a big event. We take it super seriously and we’re out there to continue and extend what we’ve done in previous years,” said McFarlane.

    “Sevens fits perfectly into our system of running rugby, looking to keep the ball alive. We’ve had a hard 15s season so now it’s about enjoying the rugby.”

    McFarlane is also bolstered by the return of several stars, with Max Trimble, Alastair Johnson and Brian Geraghty back from injury.

    Dubai Hurricanes head coach James Ham is hoping his side can show their true colours in sevens after a lukewarm start to the 15s season.

    “Hurricanes will have a big turnout for the sevens, I think we have more teams in it than any other club and we are certainly looking for top spots from our ladies and vets teams,” he said.

    “There looks to be some very good teams in the Gulf competition this year and although Canes have been unable to show our hand pretournament, I think this will suit us. I’m sure we will be proving ourselves as potential winners.”

    Another team that has endured a tough start to the season but could be one to watch are Al Ain Amblers, who won the first round of the Eden Park 7s before losing in the final of the Cup to Jebel Ali Dragons last weekend.

    Coach Tim Camaivuna said the men from the Garden City are dreaming big.

    “We’re taking it one game at a time but our objective is to be in the final,” he said.

    “Eden Park was encouraging and will give us confidence. We are hoping to work on our mistakes from those two tournaments and put it right this weekend and we also have players returning from injury too.”

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