(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The Hurricanes are understandably keen to nurture talented local players at the grassroots level in the emirate.
Josh Kronfeld giving tips to the players at the launch of the Dubai Hurricanes RFC Academy. — KT photo by Mukesh Kamal
Dubai — Dubai Hurricanes RFC kicked off their new rugby academy in some style on Friday with All Blacks legend Josh Kronfeld putting aspiring Emirati and expat youngsters through the paces at the Sevens Stadium here.
The Hurricanes who form part of the Emirati Integration Committee for the UAE Rugby Federation (UAERF) are understandably keen to nurture talented local players at the grassroots level in the emirate.
As a part of that ’Emiratisation’ initiative they’ve developed a scholarship programme with programme sponsors DHL whereby home-grown U16 and U18 players are offered scholarships.
They’ll firstly though train alongside regular members from any UAE rugby club with the aim of getting them accustomed to the oval-ball game its code of conduct ethics and sportsmanship — both on and off the pitch. It’s hoped that this — in turn — will help organically grow as sense of being part of a ‘rugby family’ here either with the Hurricanes or elsewhere.
Dubai Exiles chairman Mike Wolff has already pledged the “full support” of his club to this “outstanding initiative” with the Exiles’ senior Arabic-speaking players all set to assist a smooth integration with mentoring and translation duties.
Kronfeld meanwhile believes anything that helps promote the growth of the sport in less-accustomed regions like the UAE can only be of benefit to the global game as a whole. “Things like academies work groups or someone like me coming in and running some classes are of paramount importance for the growth of the game” the former Highlanders and Leicester Tigers flanker 43 said.
“What the Hurricanes are doing here is fantastic as it’s a need in all of the budding countries of rugby. It needs to continue to grow.
“It’s a fabulous game I love it to death and I want to see it continue to be competitive. The last thing you want to see is one or two international teams dominating.
“We need to share the love and see these younger nations really growing and why not in the UAE It’s fantastic. It’s really important that the game continues to grow and that more teams are vying for a position in the World Cup.”
Kronfeld pinpointed the annual staging of the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens here as a potential driver of greater participation with exposure to Sevens rugby eventually leading to an introduction to the XVs format in time.
“Sevens is obviously a good starting ground” he added. “The Dubai Sevens is important as it shows the general public around here what’s available in rugby and — it’s so exciting to watch — it can lead into the XVs game.
“The UAE might not necessarily be going to the World Cup very soon. But for some of these young guys — if they’ve got the right people teaching and telling them the right things at the right time — they — they could crop up at an English team in the Aviva Premiership or one of their own clubs back in their native countries.
“I know there are a lot of expats here and provided they’re getting enough schooling there’s always a chance for them to go further.
“That’s where these academies really make a difference and why I think it’s important to get involved with them for me personally.
“Anything that promotes the game at a junior level — and creates that love interest and following — is good.” For further information on the Dubai Hurricanes Rugby Academy log on to: www.dubaihurricanes.com email: infodubaihurricanes.com or telephone: 0507940823.
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