UAE Rugby has unveiled its specially designed jersey, created by Gilbert – the union's official kit supplier and ball, which will see its debut as the National Seven’s team takes the field at the Dubai Rugby Sevens tournament over the UAE National Day’s 40th celebration weekend on December 2 and 3.
Gilbert’s fluid and edgy design incorporates UAE’s National colours of red, green, black and white with a striking falcon motif on separate white and red backgrounds.
As the official playing kit for the team’s first ever home-tournament showing, the jersey represents a proud moment in UAE rugby history.
This combined with their participating in the Dubai Rugby Sevens in the same year the UAE celebrates it’s 40th year will also make for an exceptionally worthy souvenir.
“We are really pleased with the look of the jersey,” said Mohammad Hassan Rahma who is one of two Emiratis who is set to play in the second leg of the HSBC World Sevens Series. “To play on our home ground in front of friends, family and the wider rugby-loving community is extremely exciting. We are thrilled and exceptionally proud to be wearing this new kit as we take the field.”
“However, it represents more that just our playing kit (to us) so we are looking forward to seeing as many UAE residents and Emiratis supporting us by wearing it,” he added.
Rahma has already created history by becoming the first Emirati to represent Arabian Gulf, the predecessor of UAE Rugby, but was out action for a couple of years after undergoing surgery for a knee injury.
"It is a dream come true to be playing on the main pitch at the Dubai Sevens," said Rahma who was a founding member of the 2005 Falcons side for Emiratis which took part in the Social segment of the Dubai Sevens.
The second Emiratis who is certain to make the 12-member squad is Cyrus Homayoun, 25, who along with Ali Mohammed was the first Emirati to play international XVs rugby earlier this year.
UAE have been drawn in a tough pool with Fiji, winners of the opening leg of the HSBC World Series in Gold Coast last week, Samoa and Argentina.
Replicas of the UAE Rugby jersey can be found at the official merchandiser’s stall during the Dubai Rugby Sevens tournament at The Sevens ground and will be available in men’s sizes only.