As the HSBC Sevens World Series touches down in Dubai this weekend bringing with it the biggest sporting event in the Middle East, the title sponsor is using the opportunity to facilitate the development of Emirati rugby.
On the eve of this weekend’s Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens, Round 2 of the HSBC Sevens World Series, HSBC is using the event to inspire Emirati junior rugby players through a series of coaching sessions by two of the world’s greatest players, former Australian captain George Gregan and Gavin Hastings – regarded as the greatest Scottish player ever.
The rugby legends will be visiting local schools across the UAE and encouraging Emirati students of the HSBC-sponsored UAE Rugby Player Pathway Programme, an in-schools initiative set-up by the UAE Rugby Federation, to set their ambitions to the Rio Olympics, where Sevens Rugby is being introduced in 2016.
“I am excited to get this week started with HSBC’s coaching clinics in Dubai and Abu Dhabi where Gavin and I will facilitate hands-on skills sessions with both Emirati and expat children. I hope we can inspire today’s youth to realise what is possible through this great sport,” said Gregan, the world’s most Test-capped player of all time.
Both HSBC Rugby Ambassadors have been actively involved in Emirati rugby development over the last two years, and return to continue their invaluable contribution to the growth of the sport and encouraging more young people to be active and healthy through rugby.
“It is great to be back in the region for the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens, and I am excited to see how young people are taking to rugby in the UAE since I’ve last been here. I’m looking forward to the clinics and I can’t wait to watch all the action at the tournament itself,” added Hastings.
Both HSBC Rugby Ambassadors will be making an appearance at the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens, of which HSBC is Main Sponsor and Official Bank, which takes place from Friday, November 30 – Saturday, December 1 at The Sevens ground in Dubai.
Visitors will be able to find Gregan and Hastings at the HSBC Premier Suite, an exclusive hospitality area for all HSBC Premier Customers and their guests, located in the main Fans Village. The duo will also be signing autographs each day at the HSBC World of Sport, an interactive multi-sport area full of the latest state-of-the-art games and activities.