Dubai Rugby Sevens notebook: Former Harlequins coach Jeremy Manning lauded for ‘fine-tuning’ Fiji’s goal-kicking

GB Select plus two from each of Wales and Scotland dominated the International Invitation Women while Thom Evans’s remarkable renaissance as a rugby player continues, writes Paul Radley.

Jeremy Manning, the former coach of Abu Dhabi Harlequins, landed a commendation from Ben Ryan, the Fiji coach, after an immaculate day of goal-kicking by the world series holders. Jeff Topping/For TheShow more

Jeremy Manning, the former coach of Abu Dhabi Harlequins, landed a commendation from Ben Ryan, the Fiji coach, after an immaculate day of goal-kicking by the world series holders.

Manning has barely played since passing on the reins to Mike McFarlane in the summer, due to unavailability and a hip complaint.

He has been able to pass on his kicking expertise to Fiji’s men and women’s teams, since they based themselves in the capital for training last week.

Photo gallery: Abu Dhabi Harlequins host Fiji in Abu Dhabi

“Of 16 tries we scored today, every single one of them was converted,” Ryan said.

“Jeremy Manning deserves a pat on the back. We have been working hard on it back in Fiji, but he has been fine-tuning it here. It has certainly been great goal-kicking.”

Representing GB

Competing on the men’s circuit as three separate entities may be less-than-ideal preparation for Great Britain ahead of the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

They did enjoy some cheer in the women’s game, though, even though England lost out in their semi-final of the World Series 19-12 to Russia.

GB Select, a side comprising players from England’s extended squad, plus two from each of Wales and Scotland, dominated the International Invitation Women.

“When you come out to a crowd like that, even though your are tired in your sixth game, it lifts your spirits completely,” captain Sarah McKenna said after they beat France Development in the final on Pitch 1.

“This was the first time we have come together to represent GB. It was new, but we were all playing for each other.”

Evans’ revival

Thom Evans’s remarkable renaissance as a rugby player continued as his tries paved the way for UR7s Wanderers to reach the semi-finals of the International Open competition.

The former Scotland wing who is playing for the first time since suffering a neck injury in a Test match that ended his professional career five years ago.

Having thought he would never play rugby again, he is now the top try-scorer in a highly-talented side, who will face Racing Club of Lagos in the last four.

UR7s’ success came at the expense of Speranza 22, the team of former Abu Dhabi Harlequins juniors who have an annual reunion at The Sevens in memory of the late Marco Speranza.

Speranza lost to UR7s in their final group game, then lost out in their quarter-final against Wyvern Harlequins.

Vision 2017

The UAE Rugby Federation says it aims to have 9,000 Emirati children actively playing the sport by 2017. The federation says there are 6,800 national children playing the game in Dubai, Al Ain and Abu Dhabi at present.

The plan is to extend the player pathway programme (PPP) into the northern emirates, with the support of new sponsorship deals with HSBC and Land Rover.

“I’m also very thankful to the Ministry of Education who has supported the PPP over the last three years,” Qais Al Dhalai, the secretary general of the UAERF said.

“[The Ministry of Education] is committed to further enhance the programme with additional accesses to new variety of state schools for boys and girls across the UAE.”

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