It’s not every day an Olympic winning coach and a former international oversee training but that was the case for a group of school children in the UAE last week.
Dubai College and Abu Dhabi-based Al Yasmina Academy and British School of Al Khubairat were three of the institutions whose aspiring rugby players shared the field with ex-Fiji and England sevens coach Ben Ryan, and former England player Chris Cracknell.
Dubai College’s Under-12, U-14, U-16 and U-19 sides showcased their skills and attributes in front of the pair before the two moved on to Abu Dhabi on Thursday.
At Al Yasmina, the selected 50 players took part in drills as well as mini-games before gaining insights during a question and answer session, before Ryan and Cracknell finished the day working with BSAK pupils.
The sessions were part of the grassroots rugby initiative organised by HSBC, which aims to support passionate youngsters in the UAE Rugby Federation’s player pathway programme.
Ryan, who inspired Fiji to a their first-ever Olympic gold in Rio, was left impressed with the talent he saw. “It was great to come here from Olympic level and reinforce what the teachers are already coaching,” said the 45-year-old.
“They’re showing students the fundamentals, helping them have fun, and encouraging them to learn from each other. The students’ attitude was fantastic, which is one of the most important things – being positive and trying your best. You can’t expect anything more as a coach.”
Abdullah Al Kaff, of Al Yasmina Academy, was among the lucky ones to have been chosen and was left in awe after his session.
“Having Ben Ryan and Chris Cracknell visit us – two of the best coaches in the world – was really an honour,” he said.
“They taught us the same playing philosophy from their time in Fiji – pass the ball quickly, play with a smile on your face, and always be positive. It was so rewarding to be given specialised coaching and learn new skills.”
