Regular Thursday night Sport360° UAE Premiership and Conference games still appear to be off the agenda – despite one going ahead already this season.
Abu Dhabi Saracens explored the idea of shifting games to Thursdays with the UAE Rugby Federation (UAE RF) in the summer, but were ultimately left disappointed.
Saracens had cited commercial and playing issues as reasons for their proposal.
Sponsors Springbok Butchery requested a switch to allow them to work at different occasions and players were keen to free up more personal time.
Despite the fact the Premiership fixture between Dubai Exiles and Xodus Wasps and Conference meeting between Exiles 2nds and Heartbeat Tigers did go ahead on Thursday, October 2, the UAERF says it was a “one-off”.
A UAE RF spokesperson said: “Saracens’ request was for a complete fixture schedule change to incorporate regular Thursday night games.
“Exiles’ request was for a oneoff game, a request that was made more than 15 days before the game with a reason provided.
“The UAE RF board and officials were consulted and it was approved for that weekend only.”
Sarries head coach Ali Thompson said the club is still determined to explore the Thursdays possibility.
He said: “We might play Wasps on a Thursday and we are trying to get the Dragons game on a Thursday night too. We’re happy to give up home field advantage for the game.
“There’s no ill feeling. They (UAE RF) didn’t shut us down; they just wanted justification for it.”
All six rounds of the Premiership are scheduled to kick off on successive Fridays at 19:00
“The Friday night games mean it is a long wait for the players to prepare for their games,” Sarries president Dave Jackson had previously said.
