UAE Rugby has announced the National XV’s men’s 25-man squad that will compete in the 2015 Asian Rugby Football Union’s (ARFU) new tournament, the Asia Rugby Championship (ARC).
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Participating in the ARC’s Division II, the UAE travels to Kuala Lumpur on Friday May 8th and will face Malaysia, Thailand and Chinese Taipei in a round-robin format. Their campaign will commence on Sunday May 10th, with the second game played on Wednesday May 13th and conclude with their final game on Saturday May 16th.
UAE XV’s Captain, Adam Telford, said “This squad is a very strong squad with a good balance of the best Emirati and Expat players who are eligible to represent the UAE. We’ve been training since February (for this tournament) and it has been a tough decision for both Roelof and Apollo to pick a final 25, there is now depth and there was serious competition to secure selection.” “Personally, I am looking forward to pulling on the national shirt with all the guys, especially Andrew Carphin as we have been playing together since we were 8 years old and have played on the same school, university and club teams over the last 25 years. Although Irish born, the UAE is now our home and it’s a massive honour to be representing our adopted country on the international stage.”
When asked about UAE’s competitors, Telford commented “In terms of the upcoming ARC games, this is a pivotal year for the UAE and our aim is a return to Division 1 which then gives us the opportunity to push for the top tier in 2016.” “Thailand, Malaysia and Chinese Taipei are somewhat unknown to us (in XV’s) and if we play as a team, to our full potential, I am confident we will top Division II.” he added.
UAE Rugby National 15’s Team training underway prior to @RugbyAsiaChamps Divi. 2 in Malaysia #Unity #Upwards&Onwards pic.twitter.com/iNKvriMiSE
— UAE RUGBY FEDERATION (@uaerugby) April 29, 2015
The UAE National XV’s 25-man ARC squad
Name UAE based club Caps
Adam Telford (C) Jebel Ali Dragons 1
Andrew Carphin Jebel Ali Dragons *
Chris Jones-Griffiths Abu Dhabi Harlequins 19
Clint Berkenshaw Dubai Exiles *
Daniel Minks Jebel Ali Dragons 1
Edward Lewsey Abu Dhabi Harlequins *
Graham Murphy Abu Dhabi Harlequins 15
Hareb Al Azri Al Ain Amblers 2
Hassan Al Noobi Arabian Knights 3
Jaen Botes Abu Dhabi Saracens *
Jonathan Greenwood Dubai Hurricanes 9
Jonathan Bester Xodus Wasps 10
Justin Walsh Dubai Exiles *
Mark Weissenborn Dubai Hurricanes 3
Matthew Hutchings Abu Dhabi Saracens *
Michael Botha Jebel Ali Dragons *
Mohammed Hassan Arabian Knights *
Mohamad Al Alawi 1
Mohannad Shaker 2
Niall Statham Jebel Ali Dragons *
Paul Hart Jebel Ali Dragons *
Phil Brady Abu Dhabi Harlequins *
Ryno Fourie Jebel Ali Dragons *
Tyson Byrne Arabian Knights *
Walid Al Balooshi *