Arabian Gulf rugby stars boost UAE squad

UAE Rugby will be bolstered by the return of former Arabian Gulf veterans Stephen Cooper and Sean Hurley for this weekend’s Borneo Sevens.

The UAE squad will compete in the second tournament of the four-series HSBC Asian Rugby Sevens series on Saturday and Sunday at Likas Sports Stadium in Kota Kinabalu.

Arabian Gulf captain at last year’s Dubai Sevens, Hurley has been called up from international retirement.

“Some players are unavailable due to work commitments. To bring anyone else at a late stage would be very difficult if they haven’t been training and understand the systems,” said Hurley who doubles up as manager of the side.

“The guys are looking good. It’s a totally new squad from previous years with only four guys who have played top level footie,” he said.

Skipper Tim Fletcher and his deputy Chris Gregory are the other two experienced campaigners from the Arabian Gulf era.

“Rugby sevens is a game which you have to always continually play. Guys are getting used to each other and are playing a lot at training sessions. It’s come a long way. I think you’ll see some better results out of this tournament than we saw at Shanghai,” said the Australian-born three-quarter.

UAE finished 10th after a strong battle with Chinese Taipei in the Bowl final after claiming a solitary victory against Sri Lanka 12-5.

“The plan is to make the top six of the draw and hopefully shoot for a semifinal berth. Anything can happen in those games. It’s working very positive for this weekend,” said Hurley optimistically after the squad conducted its final training session at Zabeel Park on Monday evening.

The return of Dubai Exiles forward Cooper who led Arabian Gulf at the World Cup Sevens has also been welcomed.

“He’s been very busy with work and family. He started to enjoy his rugby again and he’s adding a big boost to the team with his huge experience. It’s great to have him back,” said Hurley.

Cooper went into self-imposed international exile last season, struggling with injuries and a lack of appetite for the game.

“Last year I was struggling a bit with injuries. I broke my hand twice. Now I thought of giving it another try,” said Cooper who will be playing for the first time in the UAE jersey.

“It’s exciting and a new beginning. I’m happy to be part of it,” said the former Arabian Gulf stalwart from South Africa.

Their return could not have timed to perfection with UAE’s performance critical to the International Rugby Board’s (IRB) decision to allow the host country to field a team at this year’s Dubai Sevens.

“The team has got some way to go but we will continue to keep preparing for the hopeful event that they (IRB) allow us into the Dubai Sevens,” said Hurley.

“It will be great to have the UAE national team playing in the Dubai Sevens. The decision is with the IRB and we are hopeful they will make a favourable one towards us,” he added.

Cooper is also a relishing a return to the world stage with the Dubai being the opening leg of the IRB World Sevens Series.

“If I’m selected I would love to play. There is still two months to go. I know personally I have a lot of work to do, to get up to the standards you need to be to compete in that competition. For me it is a step one in the right direction,” he said on his selection for the Borneo Sevens.

Only the top eight teams will progress to the Bangkok and Goa Sevens tournaments to be held in November.

This ranking is also designed to determine qualification for other regional and international competitions such as the Asian Games.

UAE Rugby CEO, Ian Bremner, believes a strong performance by the squad could see them move up the ladder into eighth place, and subsequently be awarded the opportunity to participate at the next level.

“The schedule of games (in the Borneo Sevens) provides more opportunities for all teams to establish themselves as contenders for Asia’s top eight Sevens teams,” claims Bremner.

“However we will have to work hard and perform at our absolute peak to climb one, preferably the two places needed for the chance to be recognised at this level.”

UAE squad

Tim Fletcher (captain, Jebel Ali Dragons)
Chris Gregory (vice-captain, Dubai Hurricanes)
Murray Strang (Abu Dhabi Harlequins)
Stephen Cooper (Dubai Exiles)
Stephane Imbert (Dubai Frogs)
Mohanned Shaker (Dubai Wasps)
Abudullah Al Nuaimi (Dubai Wasps)
Brad Barker (Dubai Hurricanes)
Luke Mohring (Dubai Exiles)
Ali Mohammed Ghulam (Toa Dubai)
Steve Smith (Dubai Hurricanes)
Sean Hurley (Jebel Ali Dragons)
Management team:
Manager: Sean Hurley 

Physiotherapist: Chris Page

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.