Dubai: It will be an historic occasion for the UAE Sevens outfit when they make their debut in the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens on December 2, the UAE's National Day. Playing as the Arabian Gulf till last year, the UAE will take the field with at least one Emirati player in the starting line-up in what is considered one of the best Sevens events in the world. There is of course the Goa Sevens before that, but ask any Emirati rugby player and he will tell you that the Dubai Sevens is what they have always dreamt of playing in.
Take the Shaker brothers for instance, all three of whom are in the squad for the Goa Sevens. The youngest, Mohannad, has played in Sri Lanka, Shanghai and Borneo, but he would give his right arm to play in the Dubai Sevens. It's the same with Mohammad, the oldest, who has been part of the Sri Lanka squad, and Yousuf, who has been a member of the Shanghai side.
"When we started playing rugby, it was always our dream to play in the Dubai Sevens. Now we have the chance to show others what Emiratis can do," said Yousuf.
Mohammad added: "While we would love to represent the UAE anywhere in the world, we would especially like to do so in Dubai. It's our chance to plant the UAE flag on Sevens rugby."
Big occasion
It's understandable that the Shaker brothers are itching to take the field and the one who looks the likeliest is the youngest, Mohannad. "I have played in Sri Lanka, Shanghai and Borneo. I hope to be there at the Dubai Sevens as well," he said.
Mohammad, the most outspoken of the trio, said it would only be fitting that a few years down the line, the UAE team would be composed solely of Emiratis, a goal which the UAE Rugby Association is pursuing with great resolve. "When we started, there were just four Emiratis playing rugby seriously. Now we have a pool of about 45 players to choose from. We are grateful to the UAE Rugby Association for giving us a chance, but we want to see more Emirati players in the starting line-up. We are aiming to take part in the Sevens World Cup and the Olympics, so the process has to start right here," he said.
Sean Hurley, 33, who has represented the Arabian Gulf in seven editions of the Dubai Sevens, however, urged caution. "I wouldn't want to rush into things at this stage. It's a prestigious event and the UAE Rugby Association would want to field the best team. I can understand the enthusiasm of the Emirati players to be part of the occasion, but there's also a lot of prestige at stake. It's a slow transition process and we are here to pass on our knowledge. The UAE is my adopted country and I would also love to see an all-Emirati side take the field some time in the near future," he said.
Nevertheless, come the December 1-3 event and irrespective of how many Emiratis take the field, there is sure to be overwhelming support for the host country from Emiratis and expats alike.
Dubai sevens
The men's teams in the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens this year are Argentina, Australia, Canada, England, Fiji, France, Kenya, New Zealand, Portugal, Samoa, Scotland, South Africa, UAE, USA, Wales and Zimbabwe
Spectators can make the most of the free entry on Thursday, December 1. Other prices are: Friday: Dh230; Saturday: Dh230; Season tickets (Friday & Saturday): Dh350
Children under 12 years of age gain free general admission provided they are accompanied by a parent or guardian
Tickets are on sale through www.dubairugby7s.com and other outlets. Reserved seating and corporate hospitality packages are still available. These can be booked online at www.dubairugby7s.com or for more information call the Promoseven Sports Marketing office on 04-321 0008
