UAE Rugby’s inaugural National 7’s squad has been announced. The squad will compete in its first international tournament this coming weekend, Aug.27-28, in the Shanghai 7’s, the first tournament in the Asian Rugby 7’s series at Yuanshen Sports Centre Station. Participation in the Asian Rugby 7’s series is an integral step in UAE Rugby’s desire and aim to participate in December’s Emirates Airlines Dubai Rugby 7’s tournament. “Seven’s development is a key priority for us, both short and long term” states Ian Bremner, CEO UAE Rugby. “We have to qualify to play in our own tournament (Emirates Airlines Dubai Rugby 7’s) and to do so we have to prove to the IRB that we are physically and mentally strong enough to compete on a level playing field” he added. “To this end we will gauge our abilities at both the Shanghai and Borneo tournaments”. The 12-man team, which includes four Emirati’s, has been drawn in Pool A which includes the Philippines and defending champions Korea. In Saturday’s pool matches UAE will face the Philippines at 12.20pm (local time) followed by Korea at 2.40pm (local time). On Sunday, Aug.2, the knock-out games start at 10.40am (local time) .