The partnership between the UAE Rugby Federation (UAERF) and HSBC in developing grassroots rugby was on display yesterday with over 700 Emirati youngsters taking to the field in the last youth rugby festival of the season.

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The festival was hosted by Al Ain Rugby Club with 12 local schools competing for medals.  

Al Ain’s rugby ‘coach of the year’, Sami Smara, is delighted with how the festival went and said: “We’ve had four new schools participate in this festival and around 200 more children which is fantastic. 

“It is very rewarding for both the children and myself to put on such an enjoyable festival competition where Emiratis can play, socialise and compete.”

All schools are part of the UAE Rugby Player Pathway Programme, launched in partnership with HSBC to promote rugby to young Emiratis.

Over 3,000 youngsters play regular rugby across 23 schools as part of the programme.