Former Abu Dhabi Saracens player/coach Jimmy Tirrell believes a UAE-based player could have a shot with their English Premiership counterparts if they possess the necessary “X Factor.”
Tirrell, who works for the Saracens academy in England, insists he was not on a UAE scouting mission last week, but only back in the Middle East to assist the club with some sevens training and strengthen relationships between the UK and UAE.
He admits, though, that if he spots someone with unique skills or promise, they could get a chance with the Aviva Premiership side – like Xavier Bauwmans.
South African winger Bauwmans spent a month in the UK training with Sarries this summer after impressing Tirrell during a three-month stint as interim player/coach at Al Ghazal earlier this year.
“The main crux of the visit is to strengthen and reinforce the relationship between the UK and UAE and let them (Abu Dhabi) know that they have a resource to tap into,” said Tirrell.
Tirrell has been with the UK Saracens since the age of 14 and spent three years in the Allianz Park club’s academy before injuries blighted his progress and chances of a professional career.
He now works as a coach for the academy’s development pathway programme, which aims to unearth new talent around the world, as well as with the England player development programme.
Tirrell added: “I’m hoping to find some new talent. Xavier had a great experience over in the UK during the summer, and we’re always looking for new players.
“We have a partnership with a club in Romania and have just signed a player to the squad. I’m always searching for the X Factor, so if there is someone with that here (in Abu Dhabi) they will get their chance.”
He praised Sarries player/coach Ali Thompson, who he said had done a good job steering the club into the Gulf Top Six competition, which kicks off in the New Year.
He had been planning to visit schools with teacher Thompson to spread the Sarries’ word, which he said he was looking forward to.
“I was interim head coach last season at Sarries and that experience was awesome. But I’m just here for a week this time, helping out with the sevens training and looking at how they’ll play.”
Tirrell, 27, is due to hold four training sessions, including a final one tonight in Abu Dhabi.
“Hopefully the boys can be successful during the sevens season and have a positive experience and then take that into the Gulf Top Six and keep the momentum flowing.”
Tirrell is an experienced sevens campaigner, having been involved with the Samurai St George’s 7s side, English rugby’s sevens development team, in Dubai previously.
He was also part of the full England Sevens squad, although injuries again prevented him from gaining a full international cap.
Sarries will look ahead to the upcoming sevens season and the Gulf Top Six with optimism, given the way they finished the Premiership campaign.