Dubai Exiles went into the game dealing with the news they’ll be without talisman Durandt Gerber until 2017, but Jacques Benade saw enough from protege Matt Travers in defeat to rivals Abu Dhabi Harlequins to suggest the young Englishman can step into the South African’s sizeable shoes.
There were the perhaps obvious signs of struggle early on as Travers missed his first three attempts at goal, though two were from extremely difficult positions.
The 21-year-old didn’t hide though and confidently nailed his next three as he visibly grew into the game during the second half in the lion’s den atmosphere of Zayed Sports City.
Travers is in the UAE on a placement year from studying sports management at Loughborough University, working for Dubai Sevens promoters Promoseven Sports Marketing.
His family have called the Emirates home though since 2009, and his head coach believes he is already beginning to find his feet in the Exiles first team.
“The longer the game went on the more he grew into it and he’s a promising player. I’m delighted that we signed him.”
Stepping into the void left by Gerber – arguably the finest player in the Gulf region – is daunting enough. Making your first start in a game as big as Quins v Exiles that was frenetic from start to finish just ramped up the pressure for Travers, but he took it all in his stride.