Young Exiles Off On Tour

An under-11s rugby side comprising the cream of young players across schools in Dubai are jetting off to the UK today for an unforgettable 10-day tour.

The group, who will be representing the Dubai Exiles, will compete in a huge mini-rugby festival in addition to facing several top junior clubs.

“It is a squad of 21 made up of players from primary schools across Dubai,'' said tour manager Graham Penson.

“It was open to anyone who wanted to come along and there was a deadline, those who signed up later were put on a waiting list. We now have 20 boys and one girl, and I can tell you that she is quite a prolific player.'' He added:

“Some of the junior rugby clubs they will be playing against have junior development programmes of exceptional quality. Besides, it is not just a rugby tournament for the kids but a chance to experience a nice international environment.

“This trip will help them to develop friendships among themselves as well as make some new ones there, which could even last for a lifetime.''

Part of the schedule includes a game against Windsor and Chobham club and that fixture opens the door to another exciting excursion for the boys according to Penson.

“The Duke of Edinburgh is the patron of the club and on the morning of the game we have been invited to tour Windsor Castle.''

Penson revealed that the group managed to raise Dh70,000 to fund the trip.

So what does being the squad's sole girl mean to Lauren Roberts? “She's happy enough,'' said dad Giles. “She is not scared of the boys, that's for sure.''

Head coach Rick Helliwell is as excited as his young group.

“A lot of the kids have been together for four to five years now,'' said Helliwell.

“It is a ‘barbarians' side as many nationalities make up the team, and this is quite a big thing for them to do at the age of 11. It will teach them good sportsmanship on the field which is essential for character development at this young age.

“It will be fun and I am looking forward to seeing them have a good time and doing well as individuals and also as a team.''

10 great days

Today Fly Dubai to London Gatwick.
Friday-Sunday To Hayle in Cornwall for one of the largest mini rugby festivals in the South West of England.
Monday To Pangbourne College, Berkshire, base for rest of tour.
Tuesday Match v Redingensians
Wednesday Match v Newbury
Thursday Match v Windsor & Chobham
Friday Match v Henley Hawks
Saturday To the Stoop Memorial Ground in Twickenham to watch the Guinness Premiership clash between Harlequins and London Irish. On to Gatwick for evening flight back to Dubai.