Dubai: The Arabian Gulf under-19 squad flew to Taiwan for the Asian Championships, determined to win all three of their games and secure promotion from Division B.
Skipper David Knight has set his side the challenging target of a hat-trick of wins in the southern most city of Kaohsiung.
And he believes the Gulf, sponsored by Standard Chartered and First Direct, have the talent and potential to return home with a prestigious place in the top tier as a reward for their efforts.
He said: "I'm convinced that this squad has the pace and skills to do very well. We want to get the Gulf in the top division where we think we belong."
The 17-year-old flanker, who was born in the UAE and has lived here his entire life, is set to earn his first Gulf cap after recovering from a broken foot.
And he views the Asian Championships as a step on the ladder towards achieving another rugby ambition. "I'm preparing to go to the UK for university," he said.
"And I want to try and play rugby professionally there so these championships are an important stepping stone for me." The Gulf's fitness will be severely tested by the event's hectic timetable.
The side takes on Guam, Brunei and the Philippines in just five days before returning to Dubai on December 23. Honours in Division A are being chased by Japan, Korea, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong and Singapore.
Arabian Gulf squad: David Knight (Sharjah Wanderers/Dubai College), Edward Evans (Abu Dhabi), George Llewellyn (Jumeirah College), Tomos Roderick (Dubai Dragons/Dubai College), Topas Buddenberg (Jumeirah College), Samual Jackson (Al Ain/Dubai Exiles), Chris Taylor, Tony Cartwright (both Abu Dhabi), Jean Botes, John Balac (both Dubai Exiles), Andrew Gibb (Dubai College), Matt Irish (Jumeirah College), Jeremy Gaylor, Anooshiravan Askarpour, Sean Gould (all Dubai College), Dwikie Pinontoan (Dubai Hurricanes), Mark Brewer (Abu Dhabi), Martin Verheij, Richard Westmacott (both Dubai College).
