Mid-table obscurity in the lowest tier competition is probably not an aspiration many teams would start out their season with. In truth, it does not really fit with the ambitions of UAE rugby, either.
But, for now, UAE Shaheen should settle for it gladly. The all-Emirati side’s first season in 15-a-side competition has brought with it three wins out of eight, before today’s final match against Dubai Sharks’ second string at The Sevens.
Given that none of the players who lined up for their opening game had played a competitive XVs match before, they should be satisfied with their progress.
The UAE Rugby Federation deserve praise for setting up the new Community League last summer. So what if there has been the odd forfeit? That happens further up the rankings, too, and from well resourced clubs.
By way of this initiative, more people than ever before in this country have had the chance to play senior rugby on a level that is at least semi-competitive.
The greatest benefit will have been felt by those Emiratis who have had their first crack at rugby’s full format.
“They just said it had been a pleasure to play and that they were thankful for the chance to play, win or lose,” Apollo Perelini, the Shaheen coach, said when they won their second match back in January.
On a weekend when two of the region’s biggest clubs are feuding over the non-postponement of a fixture which could decide who wins the top flight, Shaheen are a reminder that having the chance to play at all should be the most important thing.
pradley@thenational.ae
