School event sets high standards

Before the launch of any tournament there is always a little doubt about how the event will unfold. But there were no such worries in the case of the inaugural Emirates Airline Middle East Schools International Rugby Festival at Dubai's 7he Sevens which received a rousing response. Jim W. Fitzsimons, general manager of 7he Sevens, said: "This year we have 15 teams but we already have a lot of interest from schools in South Africa, United Kingdom, Wales, Australia and New Zealand for the event next year. Annual affair "It's going to be an annual event and we plan to double the number of teams and have it for three days," Fitzsimons added. The first edition featured three categories - Under-12, U-14 and U-18 - with two teams from the UK (Filton and Truro Colleges). Fitzsimons said: "There was an approach made to organise a tournament for school rugby from local schools and parents. They were keen to get international schools to come and play against them which we have done. We got two big schools from the UK who were impressed with the event." George Tarner, coach of Filton College, while praising the facilities, felt it was a great experience for his boys. "It's a good thing for our boys to experience a new culture. I thought they played some good games against the local schools. This just shows how far rugby has come in Dubai. "They are not as strong as some of the British teams but the standard here has been impressive." Tarner added the tournament was set to grow considering the amazing facilities. "When you have facilities like this and you got a place like Dubai where people love to come I think this tournament has a real future." Andy Jones, coach of Dubai College, was happy about the tournament which provided his boys an opportunity to play top international sides. "The tournament has got massive potential. I hope the next year there will be teams from across the globe and I think it will be great. "We have played against outstanding schools from the UK and they were exceptional. A good experience for our boys and it's always good to play a team that is above our standard," he added. Coach of Dubai Hurricanes, Philip Story, added: "It's been good. The kids have enjoyed it. We play here all season and this is a nice way to finish the season. Watching the teams from the UK gives our boys a good chance to understand the next level." Curtis Hegge, coach of Universal American School, which has a good presence of Emirati boys in the team, said: "It improves our level. We have several UAE nationals in the team so they love playing in such a tournament. We want this team to grow and get stronger."