Abu Dhabi: The finals of the Etihad Airways Junior Rugby Festival took place at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, with more than 1,800 children taking part in the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Harlequins Junior Rugby Tournament.
Teams from the United Kingdom, Russia, Qatar and Kuwait competed against those from the United Arab Emirates. More than 100 teams, across 11 age groups, took part in the knock-out tournament.
Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways Chief Commercial Officer, said: "Etihad was proud to host the tournament, the largest junior rugby competition of its type in the Middle East."
"We saw some fantastic competitive rugby played and congratulations to all teams who took part," he said. "The Festival has once again been a great success and I must thank all partners and sponsors for their support and commitment to the festival, along with the Abu Dhabi Harlequins for their hard work in ensuring this tournament is a huge success."
The tournament follows the Etihad Harlequins Rugby Schools in Abu Dhabi last week and led by Director of Rugby at Harlequins FC, Conor O'Shea, and Harlequins player James Percival.
More than 400 Emirati and expatriate students took part in the introductory rugby sessions coached by Harlequins coaches.
Rory Greene, Abu Dhabi Harlequins' Chairman, said: "We are delighted to have hosted this fantastic event, welcoming all players, coaches and supporters to the Abu Dhabi Harlequins Rugby Club."
