Abu Dhabi Harlequins coach Peter Freeman has high hopes for future

Matt Jones - Editor 12:34 06/04/2015
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  • U16's Sam Teasdale and Manning.

    Youngsters at Abu Dhabi Harlequins have contributed to a very successful season overall for the Zayed Sports City club. 

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    Quins’ Under-16s teams were dominant during the campaign as they won the UAE Rugby Federation’s U16 A and B Leagues. 

    The young players emulated their senior counterparts, with Quins’ senior team winning the UAE Premiership and the Gulf Men’s League title at the Dubai Sevens.

    First team player/coach Jeremy Manning was on hand to present the winning teams with their trophies at ZSC last month.

    Rugby in the U16 division for Quins this season was very much a combined U15/U16 effort, with several younger players stepping up to the plate throughout the campaign and several more from last season’s U15s team making their mark in the U16s team.

    A total pool of 40 players started the season but by the time the end of the season finished, a total of 60 players had been registered.  

    The coaches’ philosophy throughout has been to train as one squad, allowing all players to develop together as a unified team, reinforcing the values of rugby and developing the team culture around those values at training during, games as well as off the pitch.  

    “In summary the year was a great performance from all of the team and yielded well deserved wins,” said forwards coach Peter Freeman.  

    “We think that Quins’ U16 teams have developed into playing a mature, exciting brand of rugby with a number of players developing excellent skills and competency in various positions including forwards and backs roles.  

    “Both teams’ ball handling skills are outstanding, especially under pressure. This team is a great credit to Harlequins RFC and there are a number of this year’s players who remain eligible to play for the U16s next season, so this should certainly make for a strong side again.”

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