ABU DHABI It’s that time of the year when sporting activities spring back to life in the UAE and the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Harlequins Junior Rugby Festival on October 17-18 is surely among the most awaited events.
With over 2,500 children competing from the ages of under-6 to under-18s, the event to be held at the Zayed Sports City, is easily one of the region’s biggest festivals.
“To be able to bring together almost 9,000 players, coaches, parents and family members from across the rugby community in a participative and enjoyable atmosphere demonstrates values of rugby and of Abu Dhabi Harlequins,” said tournament director Derren Sanders.
The festival, which made a humble beginning nine years ago, has ensured participation for as many players as possible, whilst providing a strong competitive environment. “Originally it was very informal, played on sand and scrub land. It started with about 300 children in only a handful of competitions, but grew quickly. The tournament is about safe participation in a competitive environment. We want all the players to achieve their potential: in an atmosphere where they want to win, but respect opponents.
“At the same time they develop both their rugby skills and a broader appreciation of the benefits of being part of a team. Winning is secondary, fun and enjoyment are the goal,” Sanders added.
The presence of international teams, which is also rapidly increasing each year, is further adding flavour to the festival.
Development competitions
“With the GCC being so multicultural, we work with coaches and managers originating from across the rugby globe in co-ordinating their teams’ entries. Our teams transcend nationality, bringing the rugby world together from Fiji to France, America to Australia,” he said.
“The different styles of rugby and additional non-UAE teams also add the rugby experience of our UAE based teams and add to the festive atmosphere. As a club, Abu Dhabi Harlequins make enormous efforts to ensure our rugby friends from around the Gulf can be included and gain from the experience. We maximise their match-time and work closely to ensure the welfare of their players.
Last year we added development competitions, designed for players who are in their first year of rugby, or have been slow in their take-up of rugby skills. In this way they can play in a safe environment, but still be competitive. This idea has been taken up by all other tournaments in UAE and has now become the norm,” Sanders added.
HSBC is the main sponsor of the event with English International RU player Ugo Monye being the ambassador during the weekend, coaching players.
“The tournament could not have grown to be the largest weekend junior rugby tournament in the world without the commitment of our sponsors,” he said.
