Gulf women’s rugby rising after Dubai Rugby Sevens U18’s inclusion

Sport360 staff 17:08 16/11/2014
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  • Exciting times: Dubai Hurricanes (pictured) feel privileged to be part of the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens.

    The introduction of a new category in the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens this year, for Gulf Under 18 Girls, has been hailed by coaches as a wonderful opportunity which will provide a fantastic boost for the women’s game in the UAE.

    Coach of the Dubai Exiles Under 18 Girls, Andrew Williams, said: “This is an amazing opportunity for the girls. They will get the chance to rub shoulders with international ladies players and play in front of some large crowds.

    "They are all extremely excited and have been training harder than ever on their fitness and skills to ensure that they play to their full potential on the day.”

    While in the past there has been a competition for this category, the games were only played on half a pitch. The standard since then, according to Williams, has “risen beyond recognition, with more teams and a better standard of rugby being played.”

    Praising the introduction of the category, Vince Ward, the team manager of the Dubai Hurricanes U18 Girls team, said: “It's very exciting as it shows just how far the girl's game has progressed over the last few years. It's always a test playing the other U18G teams in the UAE but it's going to be that much more challenging to play them in one of the largest rugby tournaments in the world!

    "We're privileged to be part of the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens, and very thankful to the Sevens organizers to allow us the opportunity to showcase the U18G game.”

    Explaining how the new category promises to give a massive boost to the women’s game in the UAE, Williams added: “Professional rugby for women is such a new opportunity, but certainly there are one or two players who have the potential to develop their skills to that level. I am sure that the Sevens will give them a real taste of what a future rugby career could be like for them.

    "I hope that we can get some of the womens’ teams to come and see how much potential our team has – some stars of the future for sure who I hope will one day play on the biggest stage.”

    Ward included: “Two or three of our squad are seriously committed to rugby, and perhaps see themselves pursuing it to become a full-time career. We already have one player who has recently returned to England to train and play for Yorkshire county as well as trial for the England youth squad.

    "The Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens provides a fantastic opportunity for all the girls to experience top-level rugby.

    “We're very lucky that there are so many first-rate sporting events held in Dubai, and the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens offers the best out of them all. The girls are naturally excited to see their favourite players in the men's competitions; and pick up tips and techniques from watching all the ladies sides.”

    When asked who his players will be looking forward to seeing the most, Ward said: “Apart from supporting the Hurricanes ladies in the Gulf Women, the girls tend to support their national teams – we have girls from South Africa, England, Australia and Spain – and they will be keen to see them perform and progress throughout the tournament.

    "In terms of individual players, the likes of New Zealand's captain Huriana Manuel and Australia's Emilee Cherry are both exciting prospects to watch and learn from.”

    The prospect of seeing young talent blossom on such a big stage is a major concept for the Invitation Tournament Director, Jill Conlon, who said: “The Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens has always been committed to creating a strong legacy for the event, and the introduction of the Gulf U18 Girls category is in keeping with that philosophy.

    "Playing on such a huge stage, and in front of thousands of people, will help the girls develop their game and understand the demands of top-level rugby. We hope to see some of these girls selected for their national teams in the future.”

    For all the information on the event and tickets, go to www.dubairugby7s.com.

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