Former Abu Dhabi Harlequins star Billy Graham has not ruled out a return to the playing field before the end of the current season.
The ex-Quins captain took time away from the game this season in order to focus all his time in getting his fledgling fitness business off the ground, but he admits he is “gagging” to make a return.
The 27-year-old says the initial months of establishing Vogue Fitness and CrossFit Yas have been productive but he is already working on the possibility of coming back into the Quins fold before the Gulf Top Six and UAE Conference seasons end in a few months’ time.
“To be honest, I’ve had plans to come back since I left,” said the Englishman.
“It’s been a killer to hear how the boys are doing this season and I’m gagging to come back. Will it happen? Possibly.”
Graham and business partner Patrick Hegarty both have backgrounds in construction, but set up their training and fitness venture at Yas Marina four months ago, and Graham admits it’s going well.
“The business is really taking off. We’ve just opened up a new studio and membership is healthy.”
Graham said he decided to take a break from rugby at the end of last season as he decided the new venture needed all his effort.
“It’s been a two-year process and I had a sit down with Jeremy (Manning, Quins player/coach) at the end of the previous campaign because I knew the business needed all of my time and attention.”
Graham describes himself as a clubman and says he would not expect to go straight back into the first team fold should he return before the end of the campaign.
In his absence this year, Quins have finally been able to rid themselves of the nearly-men tag they’ve earned in recent seasons.
Quins have reached countless finals in the last few seasons, but have always ended up as bridesmaids, usually to Jebel Ali Dragons, who have won the holy trinity of UAE Premiership, Dubai Sevens and West Asia Cup for the last two seasons in a row.
However, Quins have hushed Dragons’ roar this season and put them firmly in the shadows as they chase their own treble dream, having already won the Premiership and Dubai Sevens crowns.
“I’m a clubman so if I come back I’ll play wherever I’m required, whether that’s for the firsts or seconds,” admitted Graham. “I’m so glad the lads are doing well. Quins have the infrastructure to carry on this success for many years.”
