Abu Dhabi French’s ambition to one day challenge more famous capital city neighbours Harlequins and Saracens was aided this month with training sessions led by coaches from the French Federation.

Three coaches from the FFR came to the UAE for a week, including Benjamin Abbadie, a fitness instructor with the French Under-17 squad, Julien Antonin who helps develop young prospects and Christian Ramos who works with various French teams on mental preparation. Abu Dhabi French’s “rugby week” is now in its fifth year and has become a regular highlight of the club calendar.

Chairman Fabien Roveda said the annual event has grown each year and continues to provide unique experiences to the club’s growing army of young players.

“The club received three French coaches who arrived especially from the FFR,” said Roveda. “This rugby week has been organised to help both the club’s players and coaches to play a better level of rugby, helping them with their mental and technical skills. This special week was created four years ago by a former Abu Dhabi French member Herve Pougeard and it is now the baby of our vice-chairwoman, Hassiba Darcy.

“Thanks to them, the sponsors, partners and to the France rugby staff, Abu Dhabi French continues to offer a unique experience of playing rugby with professional coaches,” added Roveda.

The visit involved nearly 60 club youngsters training for six hours between Sunday, February 14, and Wednesday, February 17, ending on Thurday with a day of games for various age groups against junior Quins teams at Zayed Sports City.

“The 2016 rugby week had 56 winter boot campers and there was plenty of mental and fitness exercises for them to enjoy,” added Roveda. “They tackled, scrummed, passed, kicked and overall, enjoyed these five days of rugby.”