Budding rugby talents in the UAE can now learn from a true star of the game with former New Zealand and England dual code international Henry Paul establishing his own coaching academy.
Henry Paul’s Rugby Academy will run under East Sports Management’s banner.
As well as arriving in the Emirates to take up the head coaching job at Jebel Ali Dragons, the ex-Wigan Warriors and Gloucester icon says setting up his own academy had always been part of the plan.
“I’m really excited. I was looking to get something like this off the ground,” said Paul, ESM’s director of rugby.
“Rugby is a growing sport here, especially sevens with Rio and the Dubai Sevens and the big expat community, there’s always that desire here.”
The academy will run at five locations throughout Dubai from Sunday to Thursday, with short sessions held for an hour. Training is open to both boys and girls, with specialist and experienced coaches joining Paul in offering training to four different age groups; five-eight, nine-11, 12-14 and 15-17-years-old.
“We try and offer it to everyone, all different abilities, we’re covering all bases,” he said.
“The theme is to have fun. I really want to try and compliment what the club coaches are doing. Each session will be a lot of fun, about skills development and the core fundamentals, which are the basis of the game.”
Despite Paul taking the reins at Jebel Ali, Dragons director of rugby Paul Hart stressed kids affiliated to any club or school should sign up for the academy.
He said: “It’s for any kid playing at any club that wants extra, elite training. Henry will also be involved with Dragons mini and youth, but it’s not exclusive to Dragons kids.
“Apollo Perelini already has his academy out here and, if I was a kid, I’d want either him or Henry coaching me, so it’s great for the future of the game in the Emirates.”
To sign up for the academy, email either rugby@esm.ae or henry@esm.ae.