UAE Rugby’s all-Emirati U18 girls team, Al Maha, have just returned home from an intensive seven-day training camp in Sri Lanka as Apollo Perelini prepares his side for the U18 Girls Asia Rugby 7’s Tournament which will be taking place in India later this year.

Perelini and his squad have been training in Colombo and Kandy, where they have been fine-tuning and honing their rugby skills and increasing their fitness levels.

The purpose of the camp was to prepare the national side for the upcoming tournament, which will be taking place during October.

On the final day of the camp, Al Maha were able to put the skills learnt during their trip into practice as they played a number of friendly games with the Sri Lankan U18 girls’ sevens squad.

UAE Rugby’s head coach Perelini is delighted with the progress of his team and says the Sri Lanka trip will benefit the team hugely ahead of the tournament in a few months’ time.

“The camp was a success, we’re seeing vast improvements in their abilities, and I’m exceptionally pleased with the commitment shown by this group of girls in developing their rugby skills and levels of fitness,” said Perelini, the former dual code rugby star.

“Our players gained valuable experience and I am confident this camp has assisted preparations ahead of their participation in the Asia Rugby U18 Girls Tournament.”

UAE Rugby Federation Secretary General Qais Al Dhalai added his thanks to the team’s hosts during their stay.

“We extend our sincere appreciation to the Sri Lanka Rugby Union, where, through their co-operation and assistance this camp was possible,” said Al Dhalai.

“We also thank their entire team for welcoming our girls so warmly, and for looking after them while in Sri Lanka.”