Dubai Sharks are the latest rugby team in the UAE to announce a change of coach, with new duo Dan Gawn and Richard Battley named as joint replacements for Kevin Drew.
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Both were involved with the Dubai Sports City-based club last season, Scot Battley coaching the backs and Gawn, a New Zealander, playing as well as coaching the forwards.
Sharks finished eighth in the Sport360° UAE Conference, going on to reach the Plate final of the post-Christmas Bottom 6 competition, losing to Abu Dhabi Harlequins 2nds 31-20.
It was the second year in succession that Sharks had tasted defeat in a final.
The club has grown steadily since its 2009 formation and progression is key for the new men at the helm.
“Kevin had coached us for a few seasons so we’re hoping to carry on where he left off,” said Gawn, 49.
EMIRATI RUGBY! Great video looking at the growth of @uaerugby and the success of @Dubai7s! https://t.co/Op6VzRWtUU
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) May 22, 2015
“We’ve done quite well in the last two years in that we’ve got to the finals of the competitions we’re playing in.
“We’re hoping to move on from that and the goal is to be in the top four of the Conference league next season. A modest goal to start off with, but that’s what we want. Primarily we’ve got the same focus, winning rugby and enjoying rugby. I think it’ll work well.”
Battley, 35, added: “I’m very encouraged for the start of the season. Pre-season starts on July 1 and a lot of players from Dubai have shown interest. You can tell there’s a lot of excitement about Sharks. It’s a team that means business and I’d like to think it could be a breakout year for us.”
Their appointments are part of a new, over-arching reshuffle of the club’s set-up, with separate coaching changes also made to the second XV and Under-18 teams.
Adrian Cartwright and Drew Franklin take charge of the seconds, while Gawn’s son, Zac, will coach the U18s. Dougall Harvison has been brought on board as a defence coach with Jason Rueland appointed assistant coach.
