Kip Chirchir is confident that the UAE Under-20’s team can surpass their efforts at the ARFU U20 Sevens Series last season. The UAE head to Malaysia between August 15-16, then to Hong Kong a week later, August 21-22, with the squad set to be announced in the coming days.

Chirchir was part of the mixed expatriate and Emirati team that played in the second leg of the tournament in Hong Kong last December and the Kenyan utility forward is hopeful of being on the plane to the Far East once again.

Now that performance manager Roelof Kotze and the national team selection committee have decided to allow expats to join the UAE sevens ranks full time, Chirchir believes the blend of the two can help his adopted homeland progress.

“There’s lots of raw talent among the Emiratis but they just need to build experience, said the 18-year-old, who can play prop, flanker or No8.

“The UAE is a good place for rugby but it’s not as strong as other places, like South Africa and New Zealand, where rugby is really strong.

“I played in December in Hong Kong, which was the first time expats were brought in. As expats we brought experience and I think it’s going to be really good for the local guys.

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“It helps give them confidence as they can pick up more skills as they watch us. We’re helping locals reach that competitive level.”

The Dubai English Speaking College pupil has been impressed with the development of the Emirati players since December and is adamant the team is in contention for a medal this time around, having won two of the seven games played in Hong Kong.

“From playing with them in December, I sort of had an idea of their talent, but they have surprised me this year,” said the former Dubai Hurricanes youth player.

“They’ve really stepped up and come a long way since December. I think we have a chance to win a medal in the tournament. Confidence is building. It will be tough but we can supersede what we did in December.”