More than 3,000 youngsters are expected to descend on Zayed Sports City this weekend for the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Harlequins Junior Rugby Festival.
The festival, celebrating its 10th year, is now considered to be one of the largest annual junior rugby competitions in the world.
A record 236 teams will be competing for glory in Abu Dhabi, starting this Friday. And you fans catch all the action for free.
Injured British and Irish Lions and England star Ugo Monye will be making an appearance over the tournament’s two days.
London Harlequins player Monye will be coming to the home of the UAE’s Quins to offer his expertise and encouragement to the kids as part of his role as sponsors HSBC’s rugby ambassador.
Known for his blistering pace, the winger made a name for himself on the 2009 Lions tour of South Africa but is currently recovering from a groin injury.
Monye has fond memories of the UAE, having represented England at the Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens throughout the 2002/03 and 2003/04 HSBC Sevens World Series.
Monye said: “It is a great feeling to be able to give back to local communities around the world and help to contribute to a sport that I am extremely passionate about.
“I am excited to meet a lot of the players competing this weekend and to share my passion and enthusiasm for the game, with fans on and off the pitch.”
Monye has been with Harlequins for more than two decades and the Abu Dhabi club is looking forward to welcoming the winger to their Zayed Sports City home this weekend.
Abu Dhabi Harlequins became affiliated with London Harlequins in 2008 and the club has been hosting the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Harlequins Junior Rugby Festival for the past nine years.
Tournament director Derren Sanders is happy to once again be kick starting the UAE junior rugby season with the award-winning festival.
He said: “This is definitely one of the most unique junior rugby festivals in the region and we were flattered to be recognised as the ‘best amateur sports event’ at the Middle East Sports Industry Awards.
“For me the tournament is about safe participation in a competitive environment and allowing young people to realise their full potential.”
Derren believes the event “fosters an atmosphere where winning is important”, but said having fun, respecting your opponents and teamwork are of equal importance.
He added: “We are lucky to have committed sponsors who are dedicated to the growth of the sport and have been with us for many years now such as HSBC.”
Monye will meet fans at the festival, share training tips at the HSBC interactive games area and give away HSBC fair play awards to players who demonstrate exemplary sportsmanship.
All HSBC customers who present a valid credit or debit card will receive an exclusive piece of merchandise which can be signed by Monye.
The tournament drew crowds of more than 5,000 spectators last year and played host to three girls’ competitions for the first time while there was also an all-Emirati team on display.
The hosts had reason to cheer on the pitch as Quins won the under-18s boys’ title after beating Dubai Hurricanes in the final. The inaugural under-18s girls’ competition was won by Dubai Exiles who beat Sharjah.
The tournament received the Gold Award at the Sports Industry Awards, hosted by Sport360°, as winners of the Best Event – Amateur for 2013. And looking at their success, more recognition will surely follow.
What: Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Harlequins Junior Rugby Festival
When: Friday and Saturday, October 17-18
Where: Zayed Sports City
Sport360° Verdict: One of the most popular junior rugby tournaments in the world is here and you should definitely not miss out on it. Apart from the matches, England’s Ugo Monye will also be there. Just be there.
Contact: Tournament director Derren Sanders – phone: 050 800 9152, email: [email protected]
