Dubai: The UAE's first rugby team is fighting fit and ready to take the field.
A group of determined UAE nationals are pulling out all stops in a bid to stand a fighting chance in today's Dubai Rugby 7s social category.
Trainer John Mamea-Wilson knew he was asking a lot when he began training 10 local lads, which he hoped would soon become the UAE's first national rugby team.
The ambitious Kiwi worked tirelessly for the past three months, and now the team is looking forward to their first match against French team, the Frogs.
Adding to the excitement of making their debut, the nationals have secured two Dubai-based sponsors, Grafton Recruitment and Wayahead Technology.
John said: "The sponsorship is great news for the team and has enabled us to buy brand new kit and pay for a professional physio for the lads. They are all very excited about their first tournament and can't wait to get out on the field."
The formation of the team, however, happened by chance.
Mohammad Lajam, a student from the American University, approached John in July this year to enquire about losing some weight. However, in a bid to get him to enjoy fitness John introduced an element of rugby training.
Within three weeks, John had received more than 30 calls from other students at the American University.
With time an issue, John took on nine more students and set them off on a six- week training schedule. Now they are ready to take centrestage.
