Hundreds of amateur rugby players in Dubai are set for one of the highlights of their calendar at the Annual Beaver Nomads’ Social 10s tournament at Dubai Sports City on February 21st.
The 10-a-side tournament is a feast of rugby, fun and games enjoyed by everyone across the board – and it is not too late to enter a team.
While social rugby has been going on for as long as anyone can remember, the 10s tournament is only in its second year. Last season saw a superb turnout of around 250 people, all there to push on the players as well as support the charity of Finding Your Feet through various raffles and sales.
This year sees a 50 per cent increase in participation so far with 12 teams already slated to take part. The tournament will be operated with a round robin format while last year’s Trophy winners, the Celts, and Plate winners, Al Ain Amblers 2s, will be looking to defend their titles.
Club chairman of the Beaver Nomads, Daniel Whitley, is encouraging all those who have an interest in social rugby to come down to Dubai Sports City, follow some superb rugby, have a laugh and help out a worthy cause.
“The social rugby scene has been growing over the years,” said Whitley. “There has been a lot of interest from people wanting to play social rugby, people who can’t quite get into organised rugby due to commitments so we looking at the social side of things, they can come to Safa Park, train in a social atmosphere, meet new people and build the team up.
“We normally get 20-plus guys there training each Friday and it has grown from there.
“Last year we held the first 10s tournament in Jebel Ali and then this year we have gone up to 12 teams from eight last year, so it’s definitely going up and getting bigger which is really encouraging.
“We also support the Finding Your Feet charity. We have been selling some extra kit for extra cash for the charity and we’ll be fundraising at the Social 10s to generate more awareness.
“Last year attendance was about 200-250 people, so we expect about 400-500 this year.
“There are some club teams getting involved, I play for Dubai Exiles second team so the Exiles are putting a team in, the Dubai Sharks and Al Ain 2nds, but the best of the teams are social and don’t compete in the leagues, they get together for the Dubai Sevens and we are looking to push it on a little further.”
The list of teams so far in the tournament are as follows: Beaver 1s, Beaver 2s, UAE Shaheen , Barasti, East Coast Bulls, Dubai Celts, Mediclinic Barrelhouse Warriors, Woestyn Boere, Lanka Lions, Hurricanes Vets, Dubai Sharks and Al Ain Amblers 2s.
The tournament is not for profit and the fees paid by the participating teams go towards the pitch hire and food vouchers for the teams. The cost per team is Dh1,500. The competition begins at 9am at Dubai Sports City Rugby Academy with a cash bar. To learn more about the Beaver Nomads’ Social 10s use the email address below.
What: Beaver Nomads’ Social 10s
When: Friday, February 21
Where: Dubai Sports City
Contact: [email protected]
