Paris-born Benoit Moriou has spent most of his life in the UAE but will head back to his homeland in September where he will combine training with the Top 14 side with his engineering studies at the city’s Catholic Institute of Arts and Crafts (ICAM).
The 18-year-old scrum-half counts former All Blacks stars Byron Kelleher and Dan Carter among his heroes and was spotted playing in Abu Dhabi by compatriot Christian Ramos, who was mental skills coach for the French national team at last year’s Rugby World Cup.
“I am very excited to have the possibility to be trained by professionals who have coached so many stars,” said Moriou, who is aware combining work and play will not be easy.
“It will be a challenge. The school is one of the best in France to become an engineer but also very demanding.”
Although he will represent the club he has supported since he was a boy, Moriou insists his studies will come first.
“I’m convinced the Top 14 is still very far for me, considering for the next two years my priority will be studies, but I am sure I will progress and enjoy my passion at the best level possible,” said the teen talent who was spotted by Ramos on one of his yearly visits to coach kids at Abu Dhabi French, one of several capital city-based schools where Moriou has learned his craft.
He has also played for Abu Dhabi Harlequins and Bats and turned out for Quins’ second team during the 2015-16 season, even ending the campaign in the first team fold.
“I started to play rugby with Harlequins when I was five when Quins were the Bats and Abu Dhabi French did not exist,” added Moriou.
“When I was eight, I joined the newly-created Abu Dhabi French club. I came back to Quins at 12 but continued to train with Abu Dhabi French. I also played school tournaments with the French team and we won the cup at the first Emirates Airline Middle East Schools International Rugby Festival in Dubai in 2012 – the first cup in the history of the club.
“My heart will remain with Quins but I really want to thank the French club for the quality of the coaching and the opportunities they gave me.”
He has previously spent two years in his homeland with the famed Pole Espoir academy, graced by current Les Bleus internationals Wesley Fofana and Alexandre Flanquart, before coming back to the UAE.
Leaving home at 15 is an experience he believes will also stand him in good stead in the future.
“To be far from is family is always difficult, especially at 15,” admitted Moriou. “It was very challenging to play with and against the best French players of my age, but living alone I matured and became independent, things I wouldn’t have got in Abu Dhabi. I encourage every kid who would like to live his dream as I did to do something similar.”