Abu Dhabi: This weekend’s Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Harlequins Junior Rugby Tournament at Zayed Sports City sees 187 teams and 2300 participants aged 6-19 compete from across the GCC and as far away as Russia.
Several new competitions have been added from boys under-13 to girls U12 and U18. In addition, the club has introduced a new development shield for ages 8 to 10 that gives players new to the sport a chance to compete with similar children from other clubs. Over the course of the weekend, there will be over 500 matches over 120 hours of play on 17 full-size and mini-rugby pitches.
Through its sponsorship of London-based rugby club Harlequins, tournament title sponsor Etihad Airways will welcome the participation of ex-Irish international and Harlequins director of rugby, Conor O’Shea, who will scout local youth rugby talent during the Etihad Airways Rugby Schools that precedes the tournament events.
Also in attendance will be Harlequins’ first-team player Will Skinner and Harlequins community rugby coaches, who will be bringing with them the Aviva Premiership trophy won in the 2011/12 season.
The London Harlequins team will also visit Abu Dhabi to deliver coaching to more than 500 Emirati and international children to develop their knowledge and skills of the game. Three age groups of school children will take part, from ages 7-10, 11-14 and 16-18.
