UAE Rugby Federation (UAERF) secretary general, Qais Al Dhalai, believes Jonah Lomu’s attendance at the UAE Rugby Annual Awards by Sport360 on April 10 is the perfect way to cap an “outstanding” domestic season.

All Blacks legend Lomu will be on hand to dish out the gongs at the gala night, which has been set up by UAERF in partnership with Sport360° to honour the local game.

As well as thrilling action from the UAE Premiership, Conference, Gulf Top Six and Gulf Conference the 2013-14 season has seen the game’s governing body enter an all-Emirati sevens squad into the Asian Sevens Series, introduce an insurance welfare scheme, while establishing an Integration Committee and Strategic Advisory Committee (SAC).

“This is the first time in UAE rugby history that the governing body is hosting an end of season award ceremony with such a high profile individual attending,” Al Dhalai said. “This year has really been an outstanding season for us, and I think that what has been achieved this season is really a huge milestone for the federation.” 

The UAERF general secretary put his own personal contacts to good use in attracting Lomu to the event.

Although Al Dhalai admitted some had questioned whether the 63-times capped All Black wing, the game’s first true global superstar, was a realistic target as host.

“We have decided to bring the topiconic rugby player, Jonah Lomu, and through my relationship with him we succeeded to bring him here,” he added.

The UAERF have also announced that international referee Alain Rolland will be at the April 10 event alongside Lomu.

All profits from the gala evening will be put back into the game through the UAERF.

Voting for the player awards officially starts from Sunday, March 9 via www.sport360.com/rugbyawards.