Roelof Kotze has picked a mix of Emirati and expatriate players in his UAE squad to play in the Hong Kong Asian Under-20s Sevens tournament this weekend.
The second leg of the tournament will be played on Friday and Saturday in Kowloon, with the UAE taking on China, Taiwan, Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand and hosts Hong Kong.
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They will be looking for a better result than the one they endured in the first leg in Malaysia last August, where they scored just one try and finished sixth.
Hong Kong were crowned champions in Johor Bahru and will again be the team to look out for, although the UAE will be bolstered by South African coach Kotze’s decision to blend Emiratis and expats.
The UAE Rugby Federation had previously opted for only UAE passport holders to play in the sevens format of the game, with a view to future Olympic participation.
One of those expats in Kotze’s squad is Dubai Exiles full-back Charlie Sargent.
The 20-year-old Englishman was born in Singapore but has lived in Dubai for the last eight years.
He considers the UAE his home and says pulling on the UAE shirt this weekend will be his biggest achievement in rugby so far.
“It’s the first time expats will be playing alongside Emiratis and the mood is good,” said Sargent.
“I got asked by the coach to play a few weeks ago, which I was surprised by. It’s a new experience for me and a positive one. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Hong Kong beat previous hosts Malaysia 25-14 in the August final, with the UAE finishing sixth after a narrow 14-7 loss to Uzbekistan.
“They played within themselves last time so hopefully we can help them out this time,” added Sargent.
“In any international match there’s lots of pride behind it and I’ve lived in the UAE for eight years, so I consider the UAE my home more than anywhere else in the world. So this weekend will be an important moment for me.
“Touring with the UAE will be my biggest achievement in rugby so far.”
Abu Dhabi Harlequins starlet Adel Al Hendi will captain the squad and he will be joined by clubmate Iziq Foa’i.
Both have played significant roles in Harlequins’ early dominance of UAE rugby this season, which has seen them claim the UAE Premiership and Dubai Rugby Sevens crowns.
The squad, bolstered by the new recruits, will be confident of ending a difficult sevens year on a high.
