Hurricanes hopeful new partnership will help spark success

Matt Jones - Editor 23:50 19/07/2016
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  • The new affiliation opens the door for visits from the likes of All Blacks star Julian Savea.

    The deal will likely open up opportunities for the UAE club – including the possibility of exclusive visits from Hurricanes players.

    That could mean the likes of current All Black stars Julian Savea, Nehe Milner-Skudder and Beauden Barrett visiting Dubai and even helping with senior and junior coaching sessions.

    “We are excited about the official partnership with the Hurricanes Super Rugby franchise,” Giles told Sport360. “This will open up several key opportunities for both clubs. We will undoubtedly benefit from our coaches working alongside and learning from the Super Rugby franchise. We hope to also benefit from visits from their coaches and players, club coaching days, the latest coaching techniques and tips, player exchanges and other opportunities.”

    It’s been a tough few years for Canes, bystanders while Jebel Ali Dragons, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Abu Dhabi Saracens and Dubai Exiles have all emerged to win titles. Not long ago they were kings of UAE rugby, claiming the treble of UAE Premiership, Gulf Top Six and West Asia Championship in 2010/11.

    Last season, however, they slumped to a distant fourth in the Premiership and came fifth in the West Asia Championship. “Last season was tough, despite finishing mid-table in both the UAE Premiership and the West Asia Championship.

    “It was a poor season and we feel, after a season of rebuilding, we are ready to make an impression in both competitions,” ” added Giles.

    Head coach James Ham, George Cliffe and Ric Lambert visited Wellington in March this year. It is believed discussions about Dubai becoming a Hurricanes affiliate club initially took place before a more recent visit saw coaches work with the Wellington side’s academy and first team coaches to help develop the programme Canes already deliver in the UAE.

    “This is a huge step forward for Dubai Hurricanes and I am confident the 2016 season will generate significant progress for the club across all sections,” added Giles.

    Ham remains Canes’ head coach. Mike Wernham joins as forwards and second team coach and Simon Seward will be head of strength and conditioning and joint second team coach. Cliffe has been promoted to academy manager and will remain as ladies team head coach, while Lambert is now senior men’s team manager.

    Although the club is taking a more professional approach it is keen to maintain its community atmosphere. “We have worked hard in making our coaching structure more professional and supportive to our players and are looking forward to the benefits,” added Giles.

    “We are still a family club, we are just making our family even bigger by welcoming our friends from New Zealand to the Dubai Hurricanes community. We would like to thank our sponsors for continuing to make these opportunities possible.”

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