Dubai: The UAE Rugby Federation (UAE RF) has attributed the success of its refereeing programme to Dubai Duty Free’s sponsorship this season.
Stan Wright, Dave Harper and Kevin Ayling earned their International Rugby Board (IRB) match official educators’ license in January after a week-long SuperWeek coaching workshop in Dubai.
In addition to this, Sharjah policeman Jassim Suwaidi became the first Emirati to earn his refereeing license and UAE rugby referee chair person Clare Shryane was able to attend the IRB’s level two coaching of match officials course in Hong Kong.
“We are pleased to see that our support has enabled UAE rugby referees and match officials to develop their skills and competencies through IRB accredited training and exposure to officiate in over 500 local, regional and Asian Rugby Football Union-sanctioned games,” said Dubai Duty Free executive vice-chairman Colm McLoughlin.
UAE RF general secretary Qais Al Dhalai added: “The referees are some of the unsung heroes of the game with their commitment on a weekly basis to ensure the game is played in the right spirit and in keeping with the laws of the IRB.
“This plays a significant role in the development of the game in the UAE and we are thankful for the support of Dubai Duty Free. Their ongoing commitment will bear further fruit with additional resources focused on creating an Emirati base of accredited match officials in the future,” he added.