The Etihad Airways Junior Rugby Festival kicked off today with the commencement of the Etihad Harlequins Rugby Schools, held at its new venue Zayed Sports City.

Harlequins’ Director of Rugby, Conor O’Shea; Second Row forward, James Percival; and four professional coaches from Harlequins flew into Abu Dhabi on Etihad to help develop junior rugby in the region.

Over the next four days, more than 400 children between the ages of seven and 14 years will take part in the rugby clinics, which attract participation from many Emirati and expatriate schools based in the emirate and enable children to learn and develop the required skills to play rugby.

During the first session held today, 50 students from Emirates National School and 50 students from Al Yasmina and Raha International Schools enjoyed their first experience of rugby. The final day will involve youngsters who have been selected through competitions by sponsors and local media partners.

Underlining its commitment to grass roots sport in the UAE, this is the third time Etihad Airways has worked with its sponsorship partner and English Rugby Union Club Harlequins to help promote rugby in the local community.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Etihad is proud to bring the best talent from our global sporting partners to Abu Dhabi to enhance the development of sport here in the emirate. This year’s Rugby Festival has got off to a great start and we look forward to the event growing in success year-on-year.”

Conor O’Shea, Harlequins’ Director of Rugby, said: “I am delighted that Harlequins are once again able to support Etihad in developing rugby in the UAE. The Harlequins club staff and players thoroughly enjoy getting involved with the Etihad Harlequins Rugby Schools.

“It is a great way to boost the number of children taking up rugby within the emirate of Abu Dhabi and also to scout for young players with the potential to play at the highest level.”

Following the Etihad Harlequins Rugby Schools, Etihad will jointly host the Junior Rugby Tournament, the region’s largest, at the same location on 29 and 30 October. More than 1,800 children, participating from more than nine countries, including Russia, Kenya, UK and various countries from the GCC, will take part in the two day knockout tournament.

Mohammed Al Mahmood, Abu Dhabi Sports Council’s General Secretary, said: “The Junior Rugby Festival is a fantastic sporting initiative for the emirate of Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi Sports Council wishes to express its support and thanks Etihad Airways, Harlequins and all the event partners for leading the way with the Middle East’s youth rugby programme."

The Etihad Airways Junior Rugby Festival has been well supported by several companies in Abu Dhabi. Etihad would like to thank HSBC as presenting sponsors plus Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Zayed Sports City, Park Inn Hotel and Al Ain Water.
 

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