Change is inevitable in such a transient place like the UAE, but Jebel Ali Dragons will be hoping things stay pretty much the same after a return to prominence and more importantly success in 2017/18.
Dragons, back to back treble winners in domestic rugby in both 2012/13 and 2013/14, won their first piece of silverware in four years last term – lifting the coveted West Asia Premiership title.
They did it in dramatic fashion too – needing a bonus point win from a daunting trip to Bahrain on the final day, Dragons did just that, winning 36-32 in Saar to prise the title away from defending champions Abu Dhabi Harlequins, who had secured a routine 55-3 win over Dubai Eagles.
Times change though and Dragons are no different, with a heavy player recruitment drive over the summer, as well as the small matter of Premiership-winning coach Henry Paul moving on and being replaced by another former high-profile ex-professional – former Wales and British & Irish Lions scrum-half Mike Phillips.
There may have been a heavy influx of both players and staff, which could destabilise the success built by Paul, over the summer, but skipper Ross Samson can only see Dragons getting stronger.
“The changes off the field are pretty obvious in terms of HP leaving and Mike coming in,” said the Scottish No9.
“But we are growing from strength to strength behind the scenes and are the most organised we have ever been. Plus, the kids’ section has quadrupled in size from this time last season, so it’s all positive stuff.”
Mike Phillips (2nd l) pictured in Dubai with (from l) Dragons players James Love, skipper Ross Samson and Matt Richards.
UAE veteran prop Paul hart has retired, as has fellow Dragons stalwart and second row Joe Cooper – but Dragons have been busy recruiting.
Lawrence Reynolds, a veteran of the Welsh Premiership with Llandovery, Llanelli and Carmarthen Quins, returns having had a brief stint with both Dragons and Bahrain two seasons ago, while former Wales Sevens star Rhys Thomas is also an exciting new arrival.
Versatile back row forward Roger Birkin arrives with experience of English National 1, while Angus Maxfield, an ex-Dubai College pupil, is an exciting prospect in the backs, as is talented Kiwi playmaker Antini Brown.
Long-time Dubai Hurricanes lock and UAE international Daniel Perry has moved across Dubai, while Stew Shaw is a Scotland former age group hooker.
The whispers going around seem to suggest Dragons will come into the season as favourites to retain their crown, but Samson knows they have a target on their backs and the likes of Dubai Exiles, Quins and Bahrain will have some say in the matter.
“I’m sure each team has been working hard over the summer and we expect with the smaller, higher quality league and each team playing each other three times it will test each squad’s strength in depth as physicality and intensity will need to be at the highest level each game week,” added Samson, the former Edinburgh and Newcastle Falcons man.
“Our hopes and aims are to play an exciting brand of rugby and give ourselves the opportunity to win every game we play in, whether that’s our first, second or third teams that we are delighted to be able to field regularly.”
