UAE eye consolidation in Shanghai

Dubai: A place in the top six remains the target for UAE coach Wayne Marsters ahead of this weekend’s Shanghai Sevens — the second event of the four-leg Asian Sevens Series.

Currently eighth in the table after crashing out in the Plate semi-finals of the Borneo Sevens with a 19-17 defeat to Philippines earlier this month, the UAE will be looking to bounce back against China and Sri Lanka in the group stage on Saturday.

“After a decent performance in Borneo we want to consolidate,” Marsters said. “Sixth is the target. It’s a big ask but we need to challenge ourselves, so to improve on eighth in Shanghai would be fantastic.

“We proved in Borneo that we were competitive against some strong sides and we’re confident of continuing this.”

Announcing the squad, which sees Andy Russell and Callum Stevens make way for Patrick Hegarty and Mohammad Abbass, Marsters said: “Russell is still not 100 per cent after breaking his leg and Stephens, having made a good debut in Borneo, is out of the rest of the campaign with illness. They are big losses.

“Hegarty and Abbas are set to make their debuts instead. Having posted good numbers on our fitness test, Hegarty is a strong addition who can play in a number of positions thanks to his strength and fitness.

“Meanwhile, Abbas is our most exciting Emirati prospect. He’s wickedly quick and has scored a hatful of tries in trial games. I’m really looking forward to seeing him play on the wing as he has the pace we’ve been lacking.”