Youngsters at Abu Dhabi Harlequins have contributed to a very successful season overall for the Zayed Sports City club. 

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Quins’ Under-16s teams were dominant during the campaign as they won the UAE Rugby Federation’s U16 A and B Leagues. 

The young players emulated their senior counterparts, with Quins’ senior team winning the UAE Premiership and the Gulf Men’s League title at the Dubai Sevens.

First team player/coach Jeremy Manning was on hand to present the winning teams with their trophies at ZSC last month.

Rugby in the U16 division for Quins this season was very much a combined U15/U16 effort, with several younger players stepping up to the plate throughout the campaign and several more from last season’s U15s team making their mark in the U16s team.

A total pool of 40 players started the season but by the time the end of the season finished, a total of 60 players had been registered.  

The coaches’ philosophy throughout has been to train as one squad, allowing all players to develop together as a unified team, reinforcing the values of rugby and developing the team culture around those values at training during, games as well as off the pitch.  

“In summary the year was a great performance from all of the team and yielded well deserved wins,” said forwards coach Peter Freeman.  

“We think that Quins’ U16 teams have developed into playing a mature, exciting brand of rugby with a number of players developing excellent skills and competency in various positions including forwards and backs roles.  

“Both teams’ ball handling skills are outstanding, especially under pressure. This team is a great credit to Harlequins RFC and there are a number of this year’s players who remain eligible to play for the U16s next season, so this should certainly make for a strong side again.”