Land Rover joins HSBC as co-Principal Partner of UAE Rugby's PPP

UAE Rugby’s Player Pathway Programme (PPP) is set for an exciting 2016 with HSBC announcing they are to renew their support for a further three years, while Land Rover is unveiled as the programme’s co-principal partner (in a multi-year agreement). 

Friday’s unveiling signals a continuation of support from HSBC and the addition of Land Rover to bolster UAE Rugby’s unique all-Emirati grass-roots rugby development programme.

Launched in 2012 the UAE Rugby PPP has enjoyed three successful years of bringing the game of rugby  (following the World Rugby’s ‘Get into Rugby’ programme), overseen by three regional development officers, to over 30 National schools reaching over 6,800 Emirati children across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Dubai.

Through the support of Land Rover and HSBC, UAE Rugby now have the opportunity to continue growing the programme in these Emirates while expanding into Northern Emirates where there is a significant opportunity for growth. 

Qais Al Dhalai, Secretary General UAE Rugby said: ”We are very grateful to HSBC for the support and commitment they have shown for the past three years and, collectively, we have been rewarded through the efforts of the programme by seeing a number of PPP players progress to the next development level - the Shaheen (an all-Emirati Sevens) Development Programme - and we are thrilled HSBC have renewed for another three-year term.

"We are extremely excited that Land Rover have chosen to align with UAE Rugby’s Emirati grass roots programme, as their combined support with HSBC allows us to grow the programme in existing Emirates and take the programme into the Northern Emirates and work toward our 2017 goal of 9,000 Emirati children actively playing rugby at school level, and subsequently increase the number of Emirati players moving through our development levels.

"I'm also very thankful to the Ministry of Education who has supported the PPP over the last three years and is committed to further enhance the programme with additional accesses to new variety of state schools for boys and girls across the UAE."

Commenting on Land Rover’s partnership with UAE Rugby, Chris Wilde, Brand Director for Jaguar Land Rover MENA said: “Land Rover has been at the heart of rugby, from the grassroots to the elite, for over two decades. We share the same passion, resolve and integrity that sits within the core of the game.

He continued: “Our support of rugby in the region, with the Dubai Rugby 7s will now be further enhanced through our partnership with the UAE Rugby Federation. We are incredibly proud of our local involvement in this magnificent sport and our goal of supporting the growth of the game at grassroots, particularly among the Emirati population, by enhancing the enormous pride in this wonderful nation through our MYLAND initiative.”

David Kotheimer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Chief Operating Officer of HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, UAE said: “This is a game-changing opportunity for aspiring young players in the UAE and as a global banking and financial services organisation, we pride ourselves on opening up a world of opportunities for people. Through our sponsorships like the UAE Rugby’s Player Pathway Programme, we also create a positive legacy by investing in youth development and grassroots programmes.”

 

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