Captain Niall Statham was under-standably dejected in defeat to Chinese Taipei at the Al Ain Sevens, but insists the future for UAE rugby is bright.
The Scotsman believes his side were more than capable of justifying their number one seeding for the Asia Rugby Development Sevens Series, but admits they have made huge strides since his competitive debut last year.
“We’re trying to look at it from the point of view of where UAE rugby was two years ago,” said the 31-year-old, who made his bow on the 15s tour to Malaysia last May.
“Now we’re disappointed to lose a final. We’ve come a long way, that’s why it’s more frustrating to lose.”
The UAE made a breakthrough in sevens in 2015 by finishing inside the coveted top eight at the Asia Rugby Sevens Series, but were forced to enter the two-legged development series because they had received invites to each of the three ARSS legs.
“UAE rugby is on the up and hopefully we can keep the momentum going. It says a lot for progress we’re standing here disappointed to have lost a final,” added Statham.
“In past years we’ve been there to make up the numbers, while it’s anything but that these days. We showed that last summer. People looked at us before as a soft draw, then we finished sixth and no-one wanted us in their pool anymore.
“For anyone in Asia rugby now I think we’re starting to become a match. In the last year, huge progress has been made and there are huge things to look forward to.”
