HSBC Rugby Festival Dubai taking place in Dubai this weekend

The region’s largest junior rugby tournament- HSBC Rugby Festival Dubai - kicks off this weekend at The Sevens in Dubai.  Up to 1,800 junior rugby players will descend on the venue for the second of the HSBC-sponsored grassroots rugby festivals to take place this year.

The Dubai event, which is co-hosted by the Dubai Exiles RFC, Dubai Hurricanes RFC and the CNCF-Arabian Knights RFC, brings players of all age grades from Under 6 to Under 18 together in a tournament which has become a feature event in the local sporting calendar.

The HSBC Rugby Festival Dubai 2011 is the second time the event has had the world’s local bank as a headline sponsor.  HSBC is a long-standing supporter of grassroots development of rugby, running in parallel with its sponsorship of rugby at all levels including sponsorship of the British and Irish Lions, HSBC Sevens World Series, HSBC Asian 5 Nations, and the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens.

“This year the two-day festival will see 1,800 participants from across the GCC and Europe competing across all junior age groups for the most prestigious prize in Middle Eastern youth rugby. HSBC is delighted to be able to support such a thriving event that is encouraging so many young people to take up the game and compete to the very best of their ability,“ said Simon Cooper, CEO of Middle East & North Africa, HSBC.

HSBC is also a proud sponsor of the Penguin International Rugby Football Club and through the partnership, the bank is bringing two Penguin coaches to the Dubai tournament this weekend to provide additional coaching expertise to any of the 112 participating teams that wish to take it up.  Competitors will be able to call on their expertise at a designated coaching area to run through specialist drills and exercises specific to each team’s training requirements.

Rugby clubs from across the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and from further afield in Africa and Eastern Europe are sending teams to challenge for the competition trophies on offer.

The inclusion of Rugby 7s as an Olympic sport from 2016 onwards has generated significant interest in the sport globally, and HSBC's support in developing the game will add further strength to the cause.  This weekend HSBC will provide a free rugby pack to all registered competitors, which includes a size five rugby ball and clothing.

The HSBC Rugby Festival Dubai 2011 forms part of a multitude events which take place throughout the region during the playing season.  Doha and Dubai host HSBC Rugby Festivals and is a presenting partner in Abu Dhabi. The company also supports school teams and events over the year.

For all the children who are taking part - GOOD LUCK!