British School Al Khubairat target win over Dubai college with an eye on London

The Abu Dhabi school prepare for Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens Tournament in the United Kingdom.

British School Al Khubairat, in pale blue, are preparing for Dubai College. Jaime Puebla / The National
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ABU DHABI // The senior rugby players at British School Al Khubairat (BSAK) face the latest encounter with their regular rivals from Dubai College (DC) in the evening, knowing that an even tougher test is just around the corner.

The Abu Dhabi school has made significant strides on the rugby field in recent years, to the extent they are now regarded as the main rivals to DC, who have long been the powerhouse of UAE schools rugby.

Next month, the BSAK sevens team travel to London to make their debut appearance at the Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens Tournament.

The 120 teams who are represented there include many of the leading rugby schools in the UK, and the competition has been the platform for a variety of players who have gone on to become stars of the game.

BSAK are one of only two international schools taking part and the only one from outside Europe. The team has been drawn in a group with Cleve School, Marling, Stowe and Sevenoaks.

Ed Lewsey, the director of rugby at BSAK, says the school are proud to be representing the UAE in the 84 year old event.

"It is a great honour for us to be competing in such an important and established tournament, as well as being excellent experience for our Under 18 players," Lewsey said.

"Being part of such a huge event is a first for us and we are greatly looking forward to playing against some of the best school rugby teams in the UK."

Before heading to the UK, the players have commitments in the UAE Schools Under 18 A League, starting with this evening's fixtures against their familiar foes from DC.

The final of the competition will be played on March 23, the day after the sevens contingent return from Rosslyn Park.

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