Sharks move in on UAE Rugby

Oct 30 • General News, International, South Africa • 4753 Views • Comments Off on Sharks move in on UAE Rugby

UAE Rugby today announced a ground breaking development with world famous Super XV franchise The Sharks, based in Durban South Africa, to co operate in the management of three High Performance Academy programmes in the UAE commencing in January 2013. The Sharks UAE Rugby Academy, which will operate in three venues (Al Ain, Abu Dhabi and Dubai), will have a permanent Sharks staff presence and will aim to match the world class Sharks Academy which has produced 61 Sharks players and 13 Springboks.

Mohammed Falaknaz, Chairman of UAERF commented “We are truly delighted to team up with The Sharks in this first Academy of its type in Asia. After a global search it became clear that The Sharks Academy are the clear leaders in the field of developing players for professional rugby and we are understandably excited at this prospect and look forward to a fruitful and mutually beneficial partnership.”

Brian van Zyl CEO of The Sharks added “Our partnership with the UAERF is in line with The Sharks vision of being a leading Rugby Sporting brand and we look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship that produces top quality rugby players who go on to achieve globally.”

Hans Scriba MD of The Sharks Academy added “The Sharks Academy are excited about this new venture with UAERF and we look forward to growing this partnership and assisting with the growth of rugby in the UAE.”

Interested parties or players may contact info@uaera.ae

The Natal Rugby Union was formed in 1890, with Sir T.K Murray voted in as the first president. The formation of the province’s sub-unions, incorporating the areas of Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Zululand and Southern Natal followed, with all falling under the NRU. In 1995, after being informally called “The Banana Boys” for many years, the KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union adopted The Sharks as a brand name for their team, The Sharks have, over the past decade, evolved from a provincial rugby brand to a commercially recognised sporting brand of international acclaim, promoting an intrinsic lifestyle value as well as fashion, entertainment and sporting aspiration. It is a sporting brand market leader, in innovation, match day activation and brand communication, bosting a world class team, stadium and training facilities.

The Sharks Academy

The Sharks Academy, is recognised as one of the world’s premier rugby institutes. It is no coincidence that The Sharks is one of the most successful teams in the professional realm of rugby in South Africa. The Academy offers a glimpse into the world of professional rugby where you train and learn from some of the best coaches, trainers and legends in the sport. Entry to this exclusive facility is through application and by selected invitation.

The highly efficient institute of The Sharks Academy, has now been in operation for ten years, with a track record of outstanding success. The Academy has produced 61 Sharks and 13 Springboks to date, the latest of these being Keegan Daniel, Patrick Lambie and Lwazi Mvovo. The close partnership with The Sharks, a top professional outfit with an envied pedigree in World Rugby, has many beneficial spin-offs for players who attend the Academy. All Academy facilities, i.e. the gymnasium, lecture rooms, training fields , dining facilities, medical facilities and offices, are situated at Mr Price KINGS PARK, home of The Sharks.

For more information vist sharksrugby.co.za or thesharksacademy.co.za

UAERF

Following an International Rugby Board (IRB) decision to reconstitute Gulf rugby the UAE Minister of Culture and Youth and Community Development and the Chairman of the Government of Youth and Sports decreed in 2009 the formation of the Board of Directors of the UAE Rugby Association. The organisation became fully operational in January 2011 and has since gained Full Membership status of the Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU).