Murray Strang says losing their UAE Premiership and Dubai Rugby Sevens crowns have been the “wake up call” the Jebel Ali Dragons needed.
The Scottish player/coach admits Dragons might well have lost their hunger after back-to-back trebles, but he insists the all-conquering Dubai outfit will be back in the new year to breathe fire into the season and retain their status as reigning Gulf Top Six champions.
“Perhaps we lost that hunger, which is inevitable when you win six trophies out of six, but that hunger is certainly back after losing the Premiership and Sevens titles this year,” said Strang.
“In the UAE, there’s quite a high turnover of rugby players, so there are not many Dragons who have experienced losing. So playing two competitions this season and having no trophies has been a shock for some,” he added.
“We’ve lost two but we’re determined to keep hold of our Gulf Top Six crown.
“It’s the main one to win as it’s the last competition, so it sticks in the memory. It’s important to finish the season on top.”
The Gulf Top Six kicks off on January 9 and Strang is challenging his Dragons’ players to come back stronger in the new year, although he doesn’t feel there is a need for sweeping change.
“I hope a lot of people are ready to come back in the new year and get to work. I don’t think it’s been down to a lack of effort or bad attitude, I think we just need a bit of tinkering.
“We’re not a million miles away and if we can get back into the zone, I think we can get back on top.”
Strang’s attitude was echoed by fellow coach Mike Lewis, who puts the changing of the tide down to the competition in the UAE getting stronger rather than the Dragons becoming weaker.
“We’ve lost our UAE Premiership and Dubai Sevens crowns but the first part of the season doesn’t determine a season,” said the Welshman.
“I don’t think we’ve lost out, in fact I think the other clubs have stepped up. The playing field is more level this season, which is fantastic for rugby in the UAE.
“It’s now down to us to step up to the mark too, figure out a way to move forward and defend our Gulf Top Six title.”
While losing is a new experience for Dragons, Lewis says Jebel Ali’s world is not “falling apart”.
“We’re not despondent about it, we’re actually upbeat,” said Lewis.
“The world’s not falling apart, we’re not panicking. We’re learning lessons and it’s just a case of reassessment.”
