The UAE have announced their squad to take part in the Asia Rugby Under 20 Sevens Series later this month.
Roelof Kotze’s young charges will play in both legs of the Series, the first taking place in Malaysia this weekend (August 15-16), the second a week later (August 21-22).
.@MattJones360 talks to Kip Chirchir, @uaerugby 7s U20 who plays prop, No8 AND flanker… http://t.co/Bq03tBjLdJ pic.twitter.com/gsDUWwuqvI
— Sport360° (@Sport360) August 9, 2015
UAE performance manager Kotze has picked 13 players in his squad, eight Emiratis and five expatriates.
The squad has a heavy Al Ain Amblers presence, with eight of the squad coming from the Garden City club.
The Amblers’ contingent includes Emiratis Hamad Al Shkeili, Younes Al Blooshi, Khalid Al Junaibi and Abdulla Al Shkeili, as well as expats Jeremaia Kilicanasau and Tomasi Tirikula, both Fijian, American Devante Steele and Iranian Ebrahim Doraee.
Abu Dhabi Harlequins’ Adel Al Hendi, Dubai Exiles’ Fahad Sabt and unnattached Majid Al Balooshi complete the local player quota.
Unnattached Kenyan Kipruto Chirchir and Heartbeat Tigers’ New Zealander Tuharangi Kahukuranui round up the expat group.
The UAE will play hosts Malaysia and Hong Kong and are also scheduled to face the likes of Thailand, Chinese Taipei, South Korea and Kazakhstan in the coming weeks.
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Kotze is permitted to take a 12-man squad to each tournament but has named 13 players as he is expecting there to be visa issues for one player in Hong Kong.
Having competed well on their last outing in Hong Kong in December, winning just two of seven games but losing three by only two points, the South African has stated previously that he is aiming for at least one podium place from the two legs of the Series.
“We really want to compete and get in the medals this time and I think we’re on course for that,” said Kotze.
“We have a lot more confidence going into this. Training’s really pleased me. The guys worked hard and have given their all, which always pleases me.
“We’ve worked on the mistakes that led to losing games we shouldn’t have last time, so we’re quietly confident.”
