UAE | General

England Rugby squad give liner a sporting reception

Pomp and circumstance made an appearance in Dubai as the England 7s squad helped welcome a true British legacy into Port Rashid - the Queen Elizabeth 2.

  • By Kelly Crane, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 00:02 November 27, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • The England Sevens Rugby team take a plunge into the Dubai Marina after welcoming the QE2 on Wednesday.
  • Image Credit: Francois Nel/Gulf News
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Dubai: Pomp and circumstance made an appearance in Dubai as the England 7s squad helped welcome a true British legacy into Port Rashid - the Queen Elizabeth 2.

It couldn't have been more British as the boys, dressed in casual white rugby tops complete with English rose, waved to passengers on the giant vessel from a comfortable deck of a 92ft luxury Seachart yacht.

Arriving at the harbour at the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) in a stretch Hummer, it didn't take the English lads long to strip off and make the most of the sunshine, jumping into the water at every opportunity.

Aboard the yacht it was fun and games from the start as the 12-strong squad began poking fun at one another and talking about the tournament ahead.

Refreshments and snacks were served, but as the wind and waves picked up the majority decided it might not be the best idea and declined.

As the yacht passed the Atlantis it was clearly picture time with pictures snapped from all directions.

Seachart sales manager, Josie McConachy provided snippets of information throughout the journey keeping the boys suitably entertained - well almost.

It wasn't long before the cool temperatures penetrated British skin and it was time for a dip. But not satisfied with a quick slip into the ocean it was dives and jumps from the top deck only - for most anyway, there were a few wimps but we won't name any names.

McConachy said: "It has been wonderful to have the England boys aboard a yacht to witness the final journey of the QE2. It is a once in a lifetime experience and we hope they enjoyed it. They seem to be having a great time."

But the trip didn't go without its hiccups. With rough winds and seas it was only a matter of time before the vomiting began and a few of the boys gave in to their motion sickness heading below deck for a 'rest'.

Seachart vessel, Melodies, joined the flotilla along with the other crafts and sailed alongside the Cunard for around 30 minutes.

Then time to head home as the sun began to set in the distance the water was calling once again and the diving competition revived.

Organised by Matthew Tarrant, manager of www.getsomeholidays.com the squad said they thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity and were looking forward to tomorrow's games against Fiji, US and Portugal.

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