Rugby in the UAE is dominated hugely by union, but little brother rugby league is on the up and hoping to make people sit up and take notice when the season kicks off on Friday.
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After missing a year in 2014, four teams will be competing for the Nissan Rugby League Cup and Plate this season, with the Grand Final being held at Al Ain Equestrian Shooting & Golf Club on Friday, May 15.
Reigning champions Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Xodus Wasps, Al Ain Amblers and new boys Dubai Sharks will lock horns at Dubai Sports City this weekend. Quins’ coach Tony Scott says his team is very different from the one that won the 2013 title.
“We’re an extremely different outfit this season, with a lot of new faces and some young lads that have matured and some who haven’t even played before; but the aim is to retain our title, definitely,” said Scott.
“There’s a bit more pressure as the team is relatively new, but there will be a bit of expectation around us. It scares me a little as I’m not too sure what the other teams have got.
NISSAN RUGBY LEAGUE CUP 2015 | Player Registration All players are urged to register online on our Nissan Rugby… http://t.co/UG8L80OHHB
— UAE Rugby League (@UAERL) April 15, 2015
“It doesn’t matter what other teams have, we need to go and do what we do and play our own game.”
Xodus Wasps will be led by former Leeds Rhinos academy player and Great Britain youth international James Agus, who dispelled the notion that defending champions Quins will be the team to watch.
“We’re the team to look out for, not Quins,” he said confidently. “We can win the competition, there’s no reason why we can’t. It’s an exciting time for rugby league in the UAE and I’m excited about what’s to come for Wasps.”
Al Ain Amblers’ coach Keleto Dyer is quietly confident that his team will represent the Garden City better than they did two seasons ago.
“Two years ago was a learning curve, it was very hard and we didn’t do so well, in fact we got demolished,” he said. “We’re not looking for miracles, we’re looking to perform as well as we can.
Ray Shaw, head coach of Sharks, says there is a real buzz about the club ahead of their debut campaign.
“We’re excited about it as it’s a big challenge to get league up to the same level as union in the Gulf,” he said.
There was no rugby played last year due to a lack of sponsorship, but the sport is on the up in 2015.
Nissan Middle East has become the official automobile partner of the UAE Rugby League and title sponsors of the Rugby League Cup, while Fitness First Middle East will also be sponsoring the Nissan Rugby League Cup.
Deals have been done with Bespoke Wellness to provide medical assistance as well as Zaatar W Zeit, who will provide meals for players at the opening weekend.
