Dubai Sharks are on the hunt for a permanent new ground and could be about to strike a deal with Dubai Sports City.
Sharks currently have a rolling yearly lease at the multi-venue sports complex, but the club are keen to make that a more permanent fixture ahead of the 2015/16 campaign.
It’s not just running and a game of touch at @DubaiSharksRFC preseason Good turn out as well for this growing club. pic.twitter.com/8rsRTHejGb
— Gulf Rugby Paper (@GulfRugbyPaper) July 22, 2015
Boasting a world-class venue and pitch, combined with clubhouse facilities, Dubai Sports City is a key attraction for Sharks and the club are hopeful a deal can be struck before the start of the season.
Sharks have played on and off at DSC for the last eight or nine seasons and have a real affinity towards it. They have also played at 7he Sevens Stadium and Jebel Ali Centre of Excellence too, both on the outskirts of the city, but they believe the inner-city venue feels more like home.
Pre-season training is already well under way at Sharks, having begun at the start of July, and excitement is certainly building ahead of the new campaign, with Kiwi Dan Gawn and Scot Richard Battley taking up the roles of first team coaches.
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Sharks finished eighth in the Sport360° UAE Conference last season before going on to reach the Plate final of the post-Christmas Bottom 6 competition, losing to Abu Dhabi Harlequins 2nds 31-20.
“Pre-season has been epic so far,” said Battley, 35. “We are getting twice as many numbers out this year compared to last, we are seeing more than 50 some nights.”
