Al Ain: Over 700 Emirati youngsters took part in the last youth rugby festival of the season at Al Ain Rugby Club on Sunday, organised by the UAE Rugby Federation and supported by HSBC.
All 12 schools that competed were part of the UAE Rugby Player Pathway Programme, launched in 2012 to promote the sport among Emiratis. To date over 3,000 youngsters play regular rugby across 23 schools nationwide, Al Ain is at the heart of that development with over 1,800 participants in schools.
“We’ve had four new schools participate in this festival and around 200 more children, which is fantastic,” said Al Ain rugby coach Sami Smara. “It is very rewarding for both the children and myself to put on such an enjoyable festival competition where Emiratis can play, socialize and compete in a healthy environment.”
