The Bali Legends have arrived in Dubai to start preparations for their Dubai Sevens International Veterans section campaign.
An invitational rugby team set up to play in memory of the 27 rugby players and supporters who died in the 2002 Bali bombings in Indonesia, the Bali Legends also play in support of the charity Dans Fund For Burns. This year the Legends are sponsored by Hyder Consulting, Jebel Ali International Hotels and Samurai Sportswear.
The team which includes nine former international rugby players will be conducting a coaching clinic with the Dubai Sharks on Tuesday along with their own training session at Jebel Ali International Hotel's Centre of Excellence and will be conducting further coaching clinics with Dubai schools teams on Wednesday.
The team start their Group C games at The Sevens at 9.40am on Thursday with a game against what is expected to be a strong Agility rugby side.
Bali Legends captain Peter Rogers, a former Cardiff Blue and Wales prop said: “We played Agility a few years ago and whist it will be a tough opening game we are confident that we will make it through the pool games and should with the boys we have in this team make it all the way through to the final.”
Danny Lingairi represented Tonga in Rugby League, is also confident of making it through to the final.
“I am really excited about playing in Dubai and am looking forward to getting to that final,” he said.
Bali Legends team manager for the last five years Trefor Elliott believes this is the best team they have ever assembled for the Dubai Sevens.
"We think we have a real chance of winning the International Veterans Trophy this year. It is just a shame that the tournament organisers have moved the final from the main pitch to Pitch 2 this year. I don’t know why that decision was made, and it will not change the way we play and our apetite to win this year. However, it could well influence our decision to return to Dubai next year.”
Bali Legends squad:
Pete Rogers (Wales 18 caps)
Steve Franks (British Heavyweight un-licensed boxing champ)
Alan Kent (Otago Highlanders and currently playing his rugby in Singapore)
Karl Hocking (Welsh Crusaders and Wales RL)
Derek Eves (England 7s and Bristol)
Martin Roberts (Gloucester and England A)
Warren Milne (London Irish)
Chris Saverimutto (Sale Sharks and Ireland)
Brad Hepi (NZ Maoris and Superleague)
Marty Moana (NZ Warriors and Superleague)
Leigh Davies (Wales 23 caps)
Danny Lingairi (Fiji)
Jason Roach (Scotland (RL) 8 caps, Castleford and Warrington)
Andy Matchett (Harlequins)
Justin Barrett (Singapore Baabaas)