Etihad Junior Rugby tournament scores success

More than 1,600 youngsters, both local and international, battled it out in the largest two-day junior tournament within the Gulf region. Four international teams from Damascus, Kuwait, Bahrain and Cairo also flew to the UAE's capital to take part.

The professional coaching Abu Dhabi Harlequins RUFC received during the Etihad Harlequins Rugby Schools held the week before, ensured strong performances in the different age groups throughout the tournament.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways' Executive Vice President Marketing and Product said, "It has been fantastic to see so many boys and girls taking part in the first Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Harlequins Junior Rugby Tournament. The standard of competition was very high and the children had great fun which bodes well for the future of rugby in the region and Etihad is delighted to be at the heart of this community. The tournament was a huge success with more than 7,000 spectators watching the action throughout the weekend."

A wide range of activities took place for the whole family within the tournament village including games, face painting and balloon making for the children whilst for the adults the chance to test drive some of the latest Audi cars.

Mohammed Al Mahmoud, Abu Dhabi Sports Council's General Secretary said, "The Junior Rugby Festival has been a great sporting initiative for Abu Dhabi and I was very proud of the number of local children taking part throughout. It has been very rewarding to hear about the number of local children now looking to take up rugby. Abu Dhabi Sports Council wishes to express its support and thanks Etihad Airways and Harlequins for leading the way with the Middle East's leading youth rugby programme here in Abu Dhabi."