U.A.E. Rugby's National 7's team, consisting entirely of Emiratis, competed at this weekend's Asian Rugby Football Union's (ARFU) Hong Kong Sevens.
ARFU's Hong Kong Sevens is the first leg in the 2014 series where U.A.E. were drawn in Pool A with Japan and Malaysia, who finished the tournament in 3rd and 8th places respectively. Despite strong perseverance and resolve, the young, and somewhat inexperienced U.A.E. team finished the 2-day tournament in 12th place.
While the Federation remains realistic in their ambitions, they acknowledge the daunting challenges that face a young group when facing teams that can draw on professional players to bolster their efforts.
However, the Federation applauded the unwavering attitude of the next generation of U.A.E. representative rugby players.
"We are very proud of this team, despite what were deflating results on the scoreboard, not once did any of our players slow or lose intensity. They maintained their composure and ferocity against an outstanding and professional Japanese team, and showed courage in their final game against an aggressive Kazakhstan. These are very important traits to nurture as we grow this team under such confronting circumstances" said Mohamed Shaker, UAERF Board Member and Team Manager.
Qais Al Dhalai, Secretary-General, U.A.E. Rugby, commented, "Our investment in our young Emirati players is a long-term programme. A programme where we decided to build a strong base for national teams consisting of talented young players, and to not look solely at the results during the phase of construction and development. This is evident through the intensive training camps recently held in the Netherlands and South Africa with The Shark's Academy." "As far as our outlook to provide a good setting for these players and acquire more competitive international experience, it was, and remains, our choice to participate in all such ARFU tournaments and brave what could be considered walk-over games, so as to benefit our players, and we believe within the next three years we will reap the fruits of this effective planning."
Source: WAM