Sharks in UAE move

UAE Rugby revealed on Tuesday they will team up with the South African-based Super Rugby franchise the Sharks.

The men from Durban will 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 Sharks academy in Durban, which has produced 61 Sharks players and 13 Springboks.

Mohammed Falaknaz, Chairman of UAERF said they 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 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 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 said they are excited about this new venture with UAERF and 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