UAE rugby enthusiasts have until Thursday to cast their votes for the UAE Rugby Annual Awards. The 2015 edition of the awards to be held on Thursday April 9 at the Montgomerie, Dubai, sponsored by Daman Active Life, HSBC and National Ambulance, contains 16 updated categories.
– Dubai Exiles name prop Fahad Ali most improved player
– INSIDE STORY: Family ethos behind Saracens’ success story
– Louise Palmer named as Arabian Knights Chairwoman
The two biggest awards on offer will be the Senior Player of the Season accolade, which will be contested between a total of 17 players, and the Neil Palmer Award.
Abu Dhabi Harlequins’ duo Clendon Pene and player/coach Jeremy Manning have been nominated for the Senior Player after the Quins won the UAE Premiership and the Gulf Men’s League title at the Dubai Sevens.
Abu Dhabi Saracens’ South African duo Giovano Fourie and Jaen Botes will also be among the frontrunners after helping Sarries claim the West Asia Cup.
Save the Date! #UAERugbyAwards pic.twitter.com/4o1GwqmAlA
— UAE RUGBY FEDERATION (@uaerugby) February 2, 2015
The Neil Palmer Award replaces the Ultimate Recognition Award, renamed in honour of the Arabian Knights founder and chairman who died of a heart attack in February.
The rest of the awards on offer are: Emirati Player of the Season; Women’s Player of the Season; Coach of the Season; Referee of the Season; Fair Play Team of the Season; Volunteer of the Season; Best Mini Expat Player of the Season; Best Youth Expat Player of the Season; Best Mini Emirati Player of the Season; Best Youth Emirati Player of the Season; Best Mini Expat Talent of the Season; Best Youth Expat Talent of the Season; Best Mini Emirati Talent of the Season; Best Youth Emirati Talent.
World Cup winners Joe Roff of Australia and England’s Steve Thompson plus World Rugby CEO Brett Gosper will be special guests.
Tickets for the event are priced at Dh550, with tables of 10 available at Dh4,950. Junior tickets are Dh375. Contact Karalynn Thomson on 04 395 8833 for details.
To vote, visit awards.sport360.com/rugbyawards
