DUBAI UAE national rugby coach Roelof Kotze was optimistic about his team’s chances ahead of the Asia Rugby Championship to be held in Kuala Lumpur where they will face hosts Malaysia, Thailand and Chinese Taipei in a round-robin format.
“The team has been preparing well and is very confident going into the tournament,” said Kotze. “We have had intense training sessions and it’s been very positive,” he added.
No easy matches
The UAE team’s campaign will commence on May 10, with the second game played on May 13 and their last game on May 16. “There will be no easy matches. We are expecting tough competition from every team especially the Chinese Taipei. Malaysia will have the home advantage, but the boys are confident and know their responsibilities,” Kotze said.
The 25-man squad was recently announced that has a perfect mix of Emirati and expat players. “We have quite a few new faces. It’s dream come true for them and getting an opportunity to represent their country should bring the best out of them,” he added.
Skipper Adam Telford said, “This squad is a strong one with a good balance. We’ve been training since February (for this tournament) and it has been a tough decision to pick a final 25, there is now depth and there was serious competition to secure selection.
“I am looking forward to pulling on the national shirt with all the guys. Although Irish born, the UAE is now our home and it’s a massive honour to be representing our adopted country on the international stage.”
Asked about the UAE’s competitors, Telford said: “In terms of the upcoming ARC games this is a pivotal year for the UAE and our aim is a return to Division 1 which then gives us the opportunity to push for the top tier in 2016. If we play as a team to our full potential I am confident we will top Division II.”
