Wanderers bring in new bosses for results

Dubai: The Sharjah Wanderers Rugby Club is banking on its new coaching staff to make a re-entry into the Arabian Gulf Rugby Football Union (AGRFU) League.

Sharjah Wanderers have appointed South African Benjamin Heydenrych (Benna) as its new head coach with assistance from Craig Smith and Dave Bass as team manager.

In addition, AGRFU referee Chris Balsara has moved in as a resident rugby laws expert for the club.

"Following our recent success at the end of last season, with new leadership and coaches, we intend to drive forward and reach new heights in the 2008-09 season," noted manager Dave Bass.

"The main aim for our management and coaching team is to have a strong enough side to work towards getting the Wanderers back in the Arabian Gulf League within the next three years," he added.

Sharjah Wanderer's Rugby Club has a proud history to defend. Started in 1977, it is one of the founders of rugby in the region.

Over the past 30 years the club has produced some steady results including winning the main trophy at the annual Dubai Rugby Sevens as well as league and Cup success.

However, in recent seasons the senior team has fallen foul to a lack of players and as a result has under-performed on the domestic scene.

"But now it appears that the tide is turning with the new coaches and a fresh influx of players. There is a growing sense of optimism at the club," stated club chairman Ashley Grayston.

"The new regime is building on the solid foundations left by the previous coaching team and is implementing a structure with more professionalism than ever before," he added.

Coach Benna was optimistic of the future. "Last week's training session was intense and there was a clear sense of renewed vigour that has been missing from our games in recent times. Things are changing and hopefully so will our results. Nobody expects success overnight," he said.

Long history

Benna comes with a long history in the game. As a proud South African he represented his province (North-West) and South Africa at various levels of rugby which included under-19s SA Country Districts, Under-19 Puk Sevens and the North West Sevens senior men's team from 2002-2004.

He played for the Leopards merit side, well known for their Rugby League prowess, for a season while making a move to the UK in 2005, where he taught at the Anglo-European School at Ingatestone in Essex.

"With the relocation of the Dubai rugby grounds along the Al Ain road, it seems that prospective players now see Sharjah as a closer option," Grayston stated.