UAE Rugby’s Shaheen for Bangkok Sevens

UAE Rugby’s Shaheen squad comprising predominantly Emiratis left for Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday to participate in their second Asian Sevens tournament, the HSBC Bangkok Sevens, to be played at the Police Stadium in Bangkok.

The fourth in the 2011 HSBC Asian Sevens Series, the Bangkok Sevens was postponed from last year due to the severe floods that affected the region.

UAE Shaheen has been drawn into Pool A that will see them face tough competition. Headlining Pool A is Asia’s number one sevens team, Japan, alongside the Philippines and Laos.

Pool B consists of HSBC Asian Sevens runners-up Hong Kong, Malaysia, hosts Thailand and another making their inaugural appearance, Pakistan.

UAE Rugby’s Deputy Secretary, Qais Al Dhalai, believes the team will benefit immensely from the tough competition they will face during the two-day tournament.

“Shaheen is an important part of our overall development programme,” said Al Dhalai. “Having only recently started working with newly appointed Performance Manager Duncan (Hall), we are confident the team will gain valuable experience from facing the best in the region. We are looking forward to seeing the side improve on their skills and performance through their participation in the Bangkok Sevens this weekend.”

UAE Shaheen will compete against the Philippines in their opening round on Friday.

UAE Rugby’s Shaheen squad:

Hareb Al Azri
Mohannad Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed Shaker
Yousef Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed Shaker
Mohammed Adel Mohammed Abdulaziz Al Sulaiman
Ali Mohammad Ghulam
Mohammad Abdulla Mohammad Hassan
Saood Abdulla Ali Mohammed H. Al Jawali
Abdulla Ahmad M.Bin Hammad Al Nuaimi
Jonathan Bester
Imad Reyal
David Matasio
Mohammad Ali Salem Ali Al Alawi

Coach: Duncan Hall
Team Manager: Ian Bremner
Physiotherapist: Chris Page

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.