Big-name friendly like Saracens v Sharks would draw UAE fans

Each of the two sides have a footprint on these shores already. And the UAE does not want for rugby-loving South African expatriates.

Tim Swiel of Sharks tries to break away from the Saracens during the friendly match. Charlie Crowhurst / Getty Images

When Saracens met the South African side, the Sharks, in a friendly in London at the weekend, the majority of the 9,000 spectators were said to be expatriate supporters of the away side.

That is food for thought for those who think such a fixture would be a viable venture in the UAE desert.

Each of the two sides have a footprint on these shores already – Saracens via their affiliate club in Abu Dhabi and the Sharks through the academy they run on behalf of UAE rugby. And the UAE does not want for rugby-loving South African expatriates.

Saracens have tried to play here once before, but their encounter with the Fijian side, Nadroga Stallions, which was scheduled for Al Ain in 2012, met with a late demise due to lack of funding. However, Saracens are still keen on the idea.

Happily for rugby fans on these shores, they do not want it to have an exhibition feel, either.

It has to be competitive, and the best, most recognisable players from each side need to be playing, or they will not bother.

“If you are going to go to places around the world you either do it properly or don’t bother,” Ed Griffiths, the London Saracens chief executive said when he visited their Abu Dhabi associates in September. “If we were to come here and play a match on the new field here [at Abu Dhabi Golf Club] we would want to bring a proper team.

“You can’t fool people. With television, they know who the top players are and who the top teams are. You can’t fool them with a second string.”

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