Etihad Airways and Harlequins Rugby Club have launched the first Rugby Schools event in Abu Dhabi which will see seven to 14 year olds take part in specialist training clinics with star players from the London club such as Will Skinner and English full international David Strettle.

The Etihad Harlequins Rugby Schools take place between 5 and 8 November on the rugby pitches at Al Ghazal Golf Club in Abu Dhabi and will look to introduce children to try the sport for the first time as well as nurture young talents.

At least 400 Emirati and international children, between the ages of seven to fourteen, are expected to take part.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ executive vice president marketing and product, said: “Etihad is delighted that Harlequins head coach Dean Richards and David Strettle and Will Skinner have taken the time out to come and coach the young talent we have here in Abu Dhabi. It gives me great pleasure using one of our global sporting partners to give something back to the local community.”

Dean Richards said: “It is very exciting to be here to launch the first Etihad Harlequins Rugby Schools. Helping to develop rugby in such an emerging part of the world is very rewarding and there is already some good young talent here in Abu Dhabi.”

Following the rugby schools, Etihad will jointly host with the Abu Dhabi Harlequins Rugby Club the Gulf region’s largest junior rugby tournament at the same location on 14 - 15 November.

Mohammed Al Mahmoud, Abu Dhabi Sports Council’s general secretary, said: “I have been delighted to welcome Harlequins to Abu Dhabi. The Etihad Harlequins Rugby Schools is a great sporting initiative for the Emirate and truly enhances the Middle East’s youth rugby programme. Abu Dhabi Sports Council wishes to express its support and thanks to Etihad Airways, Harlequins and all the event partners for bringing this leading event to Abu Dhabi."

The Etihad Airways Junior Rugby Festival has been well supported by several companies in Abu Dhabi including HSBC as presenting sponsors plus ADAC, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Norton Rose, Ali and Sons and The National.

Etihad hosted in February this year its first edition of the Chelsea Football Club Soccer Schools when 400 children learnt top football skills and moves in specialist clinics led by members of Chelsea’s youth academy coaching staff and former players.

We accept Guest Posts

Download the Dubai City Guide iPhone mobile app

DubaiCityGuide.com is owned and managed by Cyber Gear