U.A.E. rugby wraps up a successful IRB Superweek

Dubai Duty Free’s U.A.E. Rugby / IRB Superweek, wrapped up on Saturday and was considered a great success with over 60 individuals participating across the 5 key off-field courses offered. Ben van Rooyen, UAERF’s Development Manager, shared the importance of having IRB accredited courses offered to U.A.E. rugby enthusiasts, who wish to build on their rugby experience and move into off-field aspects of governing and developing the game. "Part of the Federation’s vision is to provide an excellent, and comprehensive training and education programme to raise the standard of play in all of its formats. We were very pleased with the attitude of, and commitment from, the participants who were openly eager to learn from our own IRB accredited trainers and coaches as well as visiting leading IRB Instructors." Tim Gresson, Chairman of the IRB's independent Judicial Panel, who facilitated the Judicial Officer refresher course on Friday, was encouraged by the invitees focus and was impressed with the Federation’s stance and commitment to strengthening governance. "It was a pleasure working with an enthusiastic and knowledgeable group. U.A.E. Rugby Federation is moving in the right direction by setting high standards in governance." With player safety at the forefront, an invitation-only session was held on Saturday where IRB Instructor Dr. Azril, who oversaw and led the Superweek’s medical session, applauded the initiative, "This is a great initiative by UAERF. The IRB Medical level 1 course equips medical support staff with up-to-date and necessary rugby specific knowledge." The pool of qualified and up to date coaches within the U.A.E. will also be given a boost where the level 1 coaching courses (7’s and XV’s formats) totalled 33 participants. "Superweek is very important to our development plans, both at the U.A.E. Rugby Federation’s level, as well as from the Asian Ruby Football Union’s (ARFU) perspective’ said Qais Al Dhalai, General Secretary, U.A.E. Rugby Federation and ARFU Executive Member. This region is acknowledged by both ARFU and the IRB as fast growing, and it is our obligation to lead the way in ensuring those that govern the game are given the right tools to effective service the game. We were honoured to welcome 2 distinguished, and experienced instructors to assist with delivering two specialised courses, and we are grateful to the IRB for their commitment in our vision, and especially to Dubai Duty Free for their ongoing support," he added. Run over two consecutive weekends, Dubai Duty Free’s U.A.E. Rugby / IRB Superweek was open to all rugby enthusiasts and covered key off-field areas including; Coaching (level 1), Match Official (level 1), 7’s Coaching (level 1), Medical (level 1), as well as a Judicial Officers refresher. Alongside Superweek, U.A.E Rugby Federation was recently seen as a leader of IRB’s Get into Rugby (GiR) programme within Asia. – Emirates News Agency, WAM - http://www.wam.ae/en/news/sports/1395269634861.html