Talented UAE youngsters excel at the HSBC Rugby Festival Dubai

Sport360 staff 10:23 28/01/2017
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  • Alex Goode.

    The rugby extravaganza saw over 220 teams battle it out for glory, contesting 30 age group trophies in a competitive and lively atmosphere.

    Amongst the youthful and enthusiastic youngsters taking part were a record number of local Emirati children, with the UAE Rugby Federation using the event as the yearly culmination and highpoint of the acclaimed player pathway programme.

    Supporting and guiding the rookie players from the sidelines of the HSBC Rugby Festival Dubai was England international and HSBC ambassador Alex Goode, who also imparted his rugby wisdom in a number of high-paced, sprightly sessions on the HSBC skills zone.

    Impressed with the energy and enthusiasm of the youngsters he said: “This is my first time in the UAE and it is brilliant to see such passion and desire amongst young rugby players. The kids here have such a determination and hunger to improve, a positive outlook that makes my job – to instil an interest in this sport – very easy indeed.

    When asked about how important events like the HSBC Rugby Festival Dubai are to grow the game or rugby he continued:

    “I don’t think you can underestimate how important events like this HSBC Rugby Festival are for this sport. Tournaments like this, focussed on the kids, provide the perfect platform for any young player, from any background, to mature, enhance and showcase their skills. It’s fantastic to see the sport developing in new regions and opening doors to all those who want to give it a go.”

    The HSBC Rugby Festival Dubai 2017 took place from Friday 27th to Saturday 28th of January 2017 at The Sevens Stadium, Dubai. Thousands of young players are expected to compete across the two days of thrilling competition. Follow the conversation @HSBC_Sport on twitter and HSBC Sport on Facebook.

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