DUBAI // UAE Rugby has started its broad search for a new Sevens coach, with the immediate task of guiding the UAE through the Asian Rugby Sevens Series to qualify for what would be their home tournament — the Dubai Sevens — in December.
The successful coach, who could be drafted in from outside the Emirates, will also be given the mandate of developing a "Futures" squad which coincides with one of UAE Rugby's key objectives of improving the standard of Emirati players new to the sport to a level where they will be considered for national selection.
"This is an excellent opportunity for the right person to work with committed players and an ambitious union," Ian Bremner, the UAE Rugby chief executive, said.
"We will be looking at candidates that have high performance Sevens playing or coaching experience combined with a sound understanding of how to develop players and teams."
Emirati interest is steadily growing in the game one such Emirati-focused development strategy is firmly in place.
"UAE Rugby has commenced a programme of 'sevens familiarisation' for Emirati players to enhance their skills and understanding of the game," said Bremner.
This familiarisation programme forms a two-tiered approach aimed at transitioning Emirati players into a National Sevens squad.
The approach will see the formation of two squads, a UAE squad and the Futures squad, who will train together but who will pursue two different competition programmes.
"The three-year goal of the 'Futures' squad is to produce a competitive unit to play in the Asian Games in Incheon, Korea in 2014," Bremner said. "As such the appointment of an experienced, focused National Sevens coach is paramount."
