Following a disappointing UAE Premiership campaign, the Xodus Wasps are hoping the Dubai Sevens can give them an opportunity to turn their season around.
The Wasps lost all five of their league games – only scoring 43 points in the process, whilst conceding 182 – and their second team sit bottom of the Conference after six games.
But they feel they can be competitive in the Dubai Sevens because, as Abu Dhabi Harlequins coach Jeremy Manning said: “Anything is possible in Sevens – it’s a strange game.”
A depleted Wasps squad came to Abu Dhabi for the Eden Park Sevens on Friday, more in hope than expectation, but they surprised many with their rugby, as they drew 17-17 with the Harlequins, before going down to the Dubai Exiles in the Bowl final later in the day.
Wasps captain Mike White said: “Sevens has been our focus since we lost our way in the Premiership, because we can actually put together quite a decent side, with some width and depth.
“We’re looking forward to playing 15s in the Gulf Conference (in the New Year) because at least we can be competitive in that, but it was nice to come out here and score some tries and make people worry about us a bit.”
The Eden Park Sevens – which also included the Jebel Ali Dragons, two teams from the Quins and two from the Dubai Exiles – is a warmup tournament played over two weekends.
White added: “The first leg was just to get a good look at some of the guys, and see which positions they can play in.
“Its a preliminary thing to see who’s ready and see who fits in where. We have to make decisions on whether a guy is better in the centre or on the wing – this kind of thing.
“We were missing a few guys for various reasons and most of us didn’t know we were playing in it until two days beforehand.
“Next weekend in Al Ain, we’ll step it up. We’ll be bringing a better squad, more with eyes to win.
“We’ll be going all guns blazing and seeing if we can have a proper run at it. We’ll have close to fullstrength and that will be more of a chance for us to get a win, because ultimately we want to win the Dubai Sevens. Who doesn’t?”
The Wasps only lost out on a place in the Cup final on points difference and White had a chance with the last kick of the game to beat the Harlequins – and send them into the final – but he missed it.
White said: “I had a kick at the end to beat the Harlequins – it was on the sideline, but I quite fancied it but it drifted wide at the last second. We lost to Harlequins in the Premiership – so we were happy to at least get a draw out of them.”
WOLVES U18s SET FOR DUBAI DEBUT
The Al Ain Amblers Wolves – which involves only Emirati players – will be entering two teams in the Under-18 Gulf Schools section of the Dubai Sevens this year.
The squad was started by the club’s development officer Sami Samara last season and such has been its popularity, the club is confident enough to field two all-Emirati teams.
Al Ain Amblers chairman Andre Fourie said: “The Wolves were born out of an initiative by the UAERF to introduce Emirati players from school level to the game of rugby. A rugby development officer was appointed in a joint venture between the UAERF, Al Ain Amblers Rugby Club and Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf club.”
Having got receipt of their entry into the tournament, a squad of 15 players and three management staff set off for a camp in Kenya on October 12.
The club’s development programme focuses on the growth and participation of Emiratis in rugby and the creation of a regional development centre for Emirati players in Al Ain through participation by public and private schools, supporting the capacity of teachers through attendance at IRB coaching courses.
The focus is also on easing the transition of Emirati players into the Al Ain Rugby Club to continue playing rugby, and to create a pool of skilled players eligible for selection for the UAE national team.
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