Abu Dhabi Saracens are attempting to form a consensus on whether their fellow UAE Premiership rivals would be prepared to push for next season’s fixtures to be played on Thursdays rather than Fridays.
All six rounds of the upcoming competition have been scheduled to kick off on successive Fridays at 19:00, beginning with the opening matches on Friday, September 26.
This decision has been questioned by Saracens, who contacted governing body the UAE Rugby Federation (UAERF) last month about the issue. The club now plan to talk with opponents Jebel Ali Dragons, Xodus Wasps, Dubai Exiles, Abu Dhabi Harlequins and Dubai Hurricanes in the upcoming week to determine whether there is a desire to campaign for change.
The Saracens’ decision is motivated by commercial and playing issues, with sponsors Springbok Butchery requesting a switch to allow them to work at different occasions and players looking to free up more personal time.
“The Friday night games mean it is a long wait for the players to prepare for their games,” club president Dave Jackson said. “If you take your preparation seriously then you have to watch carefully what you eat and do, reducing time with friends and family.
“We believe with proper notice that players would be able to travel from their place of work to Abu Dhabi or Dubai to play.”
The Saracens’ bid for an immediate alteration appears to be set to reach a disappointing end, however.
“Referees’ availability on Thursday night is an issue as it’s the last working day of the week and the referees don’t finish work until 5pm,” a UAERF spokesperson said.
“All clubs in affiliation to the UAERF should bear in mind the NGB (national governing bodes) guidelines, competition regulations and the official fixtures that have been released to all concerned parties prior to obligating themselves with sponsors’ playing time preferences.
“Any change will only be considered prior to the next 2015-16 season at the end of season meeting in May 2015.”
