Bruce Pendrey is looking forward to welcoming back his international players to the fold as Jebel Ali Dragons go in search of their first win of the season against Al Ain Amblers.
The UAE claimed a coveted place in the top eight of sevens rugby nations after finishing ninth at the final leg of the Asia Rugby Sevens Series in Sri Lanka last weekend.
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With six of that squad being made up of Dragons players, head coach Pendrey is hoping that the feel-good factor surrounding UAE rugby can rub off on his side, who have lost their opening three games.
“We’ve been improving a lot every week and now that all the guys are back there is a really good feel about the place,” said Pendrey who, at 26, is the youngest head coach in the league.
Dragons will welcome back UAE sevens captain Niall Statham, as well as Ryno Fourie, Ian Overton, Andrew Carphin and Imad Reyal, who scored eight tries in four games in Colombo last weekend.
“We want to put a performance together that can equal the result we’re after and it is a massive boost to have the UAE guys back,” said Pendrey.
“We are really proud to have them represent the UAE and hopefully we can use the UAE’s success and the feel-good factor to kick-start our season.”
Nick Taylor and former Leinster player Richie Leyden are expected to shake off knocks for the visit of fellow strugglers Al Ain.
Amblers are also looking for their maiden win of the campaign and will be confident heading to Jebel Ali, knowing they have nothing to lose.
“Everyone has been working hard to iron out the kinks from last week,” said club chairman Sean Emmett.
Amblers were thrashed 57-0 by Abu Dhabi Harlequins last week but Emmett says morale remains high.
“There have been less yellow cards and we all knew Quins was going to be the hardest game of the season,” added Emmett.
“Everybody’s still upbeat and positive and we’re confident we can get our first win.”
Amblers will be without Esekaia Dranibota, who has a knee injury, and Sirilo Laladidi, who has a muscle injury.