To the casual onlooker, the bunch of Emiratis trying their hand – and legs – at rugby under lights at Safa Park don't inspire much confidence. But then, they are new to the game, some of them just a month into it.
This is home to the UAE Falcons, as they sweat and swear to make a name for themselves in this alien sport. They are enthusiastic but have a lot of catching up to do if they are to make an impact in the second edition of the Arabian 7s Challenge Cup at Dubai Exiles tomorrow.
The UAE Falcons are managed by a 19-year-old Emirati named Saood Bel Shalat, who is its founder and who has plans to start a parallel Arab rugby organisation. The UAE Falcons are just three years old and they pride themselves on being a purebred Arabian club.
They are being put through their paces by New Zealander Greg Wilson and the players follow his orders to the letter.
Standing tall is Egyptian Mohammad Esawi, at 30 one of the team's older members. He is close to seven feet and towers above his colleagues. His motto in rugby: “I like to crush my opponents,'' and he looks menacing too, having switched over from basketball, naturally. In contrast, 26-year-old Bilal Al Jumiri is frail and short, but his forte is speed. “Playing forward, I can outrun anybody out there,'' says the man who chose to leave football.
The men are from different backgrounds too. So while Esawi is a security man, Al Jumiri works in SEWA (Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority). Then there are Mehdi and Nicky Marami, who give the side its European flavour. The brothers are from Brussels, of Iranian descent, and Mehdi is an aircraft engineer, same as Ahmad Yousif who is from Bahrain. Together they make a colourful mix and they seem to enjoy the exertions after a hard day in the office.
So, what hopes does manager Bel Shalat harbour for the Arabian 7s Challenge Cup? “We are the first all-Arab rugby outfit and our aim is to make the game popular in the UAE. Anybody who is interested is welcome in my club,'' he says.
Big Win For AGRFU Colts
The Arabian Gulf Rugby Football Union (AGRFU) under-16s defeated the Tunisia under-17s 22-3 in a friendly last weekend in Tunisia. The AGRFU led 11-3 at the break. It was the Tunisian side which took the lead after slotting home a penalty, but AGRFU U16s scored from two penalties to take the lead and thereafter never looked back.
Arabian 7s Line-up
UAE Falcons, Saudi Scorpions (champions), Dubai Club, Qatar 1 and 2 and a Tunisian side.
