25 teams from UK and UAE vie for honours

Dubai: The inaugural Emirates Airline Middle East Schools International Rugby Festival will take place in Dubai at The Sevens Stadium this week. It will bring together hundreds of skilled rugby players from the UAE and the UK.

Talented rugby teams from 25 top secondary schools from the UAE and UK will take part in the three-day tournament, starting from tomorrow. It ends on April 7. The all-male teams will be divided into four categories including an Under 18, Under 16, Under 14 and Under 12 division.

"This new tournament provides an excellent platform to display the burgeoning talents of these young rugby players. The calibre of football played by these young competitors is astonishing and Emirates is committed to highlighting their achievements," said Sir Maurice Flanagan, Executive Vice-Chairman of Emirates Airline and Group.

"Emirates has numerous rugby sponsorships around the globe and this event will add yet another layer to our already impressive sponsorship portfolio."

Matches are open to the public and entry is free. The first matches will kick-off tomorrow at 3pm.

Some of the teams competing in the tournament are Filton College, Truro College, Dubai College, Uni American School and Jess Ranches.

Additional information on the tournament can be found at www.middleeastschoolsrugby.com