Harlequins Pros in Abu Dhabi for Etihad Rugby Schools

The Etihad Airways Junior Rugby Festival kicked off on Tuesday with the hosting of the Etihad Harlequins Rugby Schools in Abu Dhabi.

Harlequins’ Director of Rugby, Conor O’Shea, and first team player, Ollie Smith, along with four professional coaches from the London-based club have flown into Abu Dhabi to deliver the specialised coaching clinics to local school children.

Over the next three days, more than 400 children between the ages of 7 to 14 years will take part in the coaching sessions held by the Harlequins Community Rugby Coaches.

The Rugby Schools attract participation from many Emirati and expatriate schools based in Abu Dhabi, enabling children to learn and develop the required skills to play rugby.

During the first session held on Tuesday, 100 children from Emirates National School, Al Mushrif Primary, Al Yasmina School and Brighton College Abu Dhabi, thoroughly enjoyed their first experience of rugby. The final day will involve children who have been selected through competitions by sponsors and local media partners.

Underlining its commitment to grass roots sport in the UAE, Etihad Airways has used its main sponsor status of London-based rugby club, Harlequins, to help promote rugby in the local community.

Conor O’Shea, Harlequins Director of Rugby, said, “I am delighted that Harlequins are able to support Etihad in developing rugby within the UAE once again. The Harlequins club staff and players thoroughly enjoy getting involved with the Etihad Harlequins Rugby Schools. It is a great way to boost the number of children taking up rugby within the emirate of Abu Dhabi and you never know we may also see some young players with the potential to play at the highest level.”

Following the Etihad Harlequins Rugby Schools, Etihad will jointly host with the Abu Dhabi Harlequins Rugby Club, one of the region’s largest junior rugby tournaments, at the same location on 28 and 29 October. More than 1,800 children will take part in the two day knockout tournament.

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