The head of the UAE Rugby Federation (UAERF) has rubbished claims that competitive youth rugby in the country will disappear following a re-structure.
Andy Baker, a former youth coach with Dubai Warriors, is concerned competitive rugby for youngsters in the UAE will disappear following the disbandment of the UAE Youth League, which catered for teams from under-8s to U16s. Baker believes the 15-a-side format of rugby will deteriorate as a result.
But Qais Al Dhalai, secretary general of the UAERF, described the suggestions as a “joke” and dismissed the fears as “rumours”.
“They’ve completely disbanded all leagues from U16s down, which is very, very odd when you’re trying to promote the game,” Baker said.
“The UAE Youth League used to have nine or 10 teams, with home and away matches between September and March.
“There will now only be seven to 10-a-side tournaments and friendlies. There won’t be any competition; parents are upset.
“What does this say about the future of grass roots rugby in the UAE, a country that’s trying to grow the game?”
The UAERF has confirmed that the structure of the junior season has been altered, but Al Dhalai denied this would be to the detriment of youth development.
“This is a joke and no more than a rumour,” he said.
This season will consist of five flagship youth rugby tournaments across the country, which kicked off with the Etihad AirwaysAbu Dhabi Harlequins Junior Rugby Festival at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi last weekend.
In-between these tournaments, the UAERF say the responsibility to provide matches will fall on individual clubs.
Baker added: “This re-structure will be to the detriment of the 15-a-side game. It will suffer because the tournaments are a seven or 10-a-side format. Clubs will only be able to play 15-a-side friendlies and that to me, is wrong.”
Al Dhalai said the traditional format of youth rugby was no longer favoured by clubs and that “99 per cent” had voted for the new format.
“We have re-structured all mini and youth rugby from U9’s up to U18’s,” said Al Dhalai. “Most people were not in favour of continuing with the same format, including clubs and parents. There was too much travel and it was not suitable for enjoying the weekend.”
He said the UAERF had decided to change the structure after many meetings over the off-season and the establishment of a mini and youth rugby sub-committee.
There will be five major tournaments throughout the season.
The HSBC Youth Festival will be held from January 30-31 next year, Arabian Knights will host one from February 13-14, Sharjah Wanderers will host a fourth from March 6-7 and the UAERF Mini and Youth Finals Day will bring the curtain down on the season on March 14.
Al Dhalai added: “The new structure is definitely the way forward for youth rugby in the UAE.”
