Abu Dhabi: England rugby star and HSBC Rugby Ambassador, Ugo Monye, will be making a return to the UAE this weekend for the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Harlequins Junior Rugby Festival at Zayed Sports City.
Currently recovering from a minor groin injury, Monye will be offering his expertise and encouragement to the 3,000 young players expected to attend the festival, which is now one of the largest annual junior rugby competitions in the world. A record 236 teams will be competing this weekend for glory.
Ugo will also interact with fans, share top training tips at the HSBC interactive games area and give away HSBC fair-play awards to players who demonstrate exemplary sportsmanship. All HSBC customers who present a valid credit or debit card will also receive an exclusive piece of merchandise which can be signed by the HSBC Rugby Ambassador.
Known for his blistering pace, Monye made a name for himself on the 2009 British & Irish Lions Tour of South Africa but has fond memories of the UAE having represented England at the Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens throughout the 2002-03 and 2003-04 HSBC Sevens World Series.
Speaking ahead of his arrival, Ugo expressed excitement about his new found role with HSBC: “It is a great feeling to be able to give back to local communities around the world and help to contribute to a sport that I am extremely passionate about. I am excited to meet a lot of the players competing this weekend and to share my passion and enthusiasm for the game, both with fans on and off the pitch.”
As a London Harlequins player for more than two decades, the Abu Dhabi club is looking forward to welcoming the global superstar to their Zayed Sports City home this weekend. In 2008, the Abu Dhabi Harlequins became affiliated with the London Harlequins and the club has been hosting the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Harlequins Junior Rugby Festival for the past nine years.
Tournament director, Derren Sanders, is happy to once again be kick starting the UAE junior rugby season with the award-winning festival: “This is definitely one of the most unique junior rugby festivals in the region and we were flattered to be recognised with the ‘best amateur sports event’ at the 2014 Middle East Sports Industry Awards. For me the tournament is about safe participation in a competitive environment and allowing young people to realise their full potential. Our event fosters an atmosphere where winning is important, but so is having fun and respecting your opponents — it’s all about teamwork. We are lucky to have committed sponsors who are dedicated to the growth of the sport and have been with us for many years now such as HSBC.”
