The Shark Bite

The newsle0er of Dubai Sharks RFC Serious Rugby, Seriously Social… Issue 1 2015/2016 – November 2015

Welcome to the Dubai Sharks RFC newsletter.

What's in this Months Shark Bite

Page 2 - Message from the Chairman

Page 4 – Sponsors Page Page 5 – 1st XV Update



Page 6 – Sharks Social Events for December 2015

JAMES TUCKER

Page 7 – 2nd XV Update

Page 7 – 3rd XV Update

Page 8 – We need your help

Page 8 – Next commiQee MeeRng

Page 9 – Ladies Team Update

Page 11 – Emirates Airlines Rugby 7s

Page 11 – Fixture list for Emirates Airlines Dubai Rugby 7s





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The Shark Bite Serious Rugby, Seriously Social… A message from our Chairman… Sharks All our ladies teams were superb, although not Welcome to the first edition of the Shark winning the competition they all won hard fought Bite, for 2015/2016 season. I would like to games, during the day welcome all new players who have joined during the season so far, in particular a They all can be very proud of themselves. There





big welcome to all the ladies who have joined the Dubai Sharks, in our first season of entering a ladies team into UAERF Competitions.

To all new members, you have all made one of the most inspired decisions during your time here in Dubai, by joining what is the most invigorated Rugby in the Gulf.

JAMES TUCKER

There are many ways to describe our season so far, amazing, breath-taking, remarkable are just a few. How do you find words to describe, the numbers of both men and women training twice a week. This season we had planned on fielding two competitive men’s teams and at least one ladies team, but we are actually fielding 3 men’s teams and 3 ladies teams. We have one men’s team playing in conference and two in the community league. On some weekends we could field 4 men’s teams, if we could find competitive teams to play against them. The ladies have got three very competitive teams playing in the Ladies Cross border Tournaments.

is a more detailed report of the ladies teams’ progress on page 8 of this edition of the Shark Bite.

The men’s 1st team are playing a style of determined rugby that many teams are struggling to deal with. Our Co head Coaches Richard Battley and Dan Gawn, have set a standard that they expect our players to achieve on the pitch, however players are simply stepping beyond those expectations and setting their own standards, which they are then extremely disappointed when they do not achieve those standards.If you haven’t been down to watch our teams playing this season, you will be amazed at the level our teams now play too. As we start the winter break for the 15 a side leagues our 1st are in a strong position in the top half of the table. Our men’s 2nd XV and 3rd XV are also attaining standards which would have been unimaginable a short few seasons ago, as both teams only play every 2nd week, getting the game day consistency of the 1st team was always going to be a bit more difficult, but we can see from recent results that the hard work at training is paying off.

We are not finished with the first time achievements of this season, this Friday the 20th August we will host for the EDEN PARK 7’s tournament at Dubai Sports City. We have had to That’s not all, we also hosted for the very close entries, as we now have at 32 teams first time, a very successful Ladies entered, which I am led to believe that is a record tournament at Dubai Sport City. With 12 number of teams. It does look like that it will be teams competing in what a very competitive the most successful Eden Park 7’s ever 2nd Leg of the cross border tournament.

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The Shark Bite Serious Rugby, Seriously Social… A message from our Chairman… Us Sharks are entering three 7’s teams and one vets team. To make it the With so much success to cheer about we success we know it can be we need sometimes can forget there are always little people to assist on the day. There are things which don’t go to plan, our proposed loads of things that need doing, so if you Partnership with Dubai Sports City, which kept can spare a few hours or even the whole





day please get in touch with me ASAP.

JAMES TUCKER

If you hadn’t already guessed, it 7’s time, three weekends of exhilarating rugby that ends in what is the world’s best Rugby tournament, the Dubai 7’s. Team selection for the sevens will be announced this week, with further arrangements being announced soon. Remember if you are selected for one of our teams you will get free entry in the Shirt presentation on Wednesday the 2nd Dec at 7pm in the Warwick Hotel, in their rooftop bar. We should also remember in the week leading up to the 7’s our Ladies Teams will play against the Brazilian national 7’s team on Sunday 29th Nov at 7pm at Dubai Sports City. I encourage everyone to come along and support the ladies. Also that week or very own Bali Legends will be here for the 7’s and we have another first, Breakfast with the Bali Legends. This will take place on the morning of the 2nd Dec at the Warwick Hotel. Our very own legend Trefor Elliot will be providing information in this edition of the Shark Bite and also on all our media forums, group email etc. Both of these will be fantastic events.

some many of the committee members busy during the pre season, fell through with just 6 weeks to go to the start of the season This meant a delayed ordering our new kit. The delivery of which has been further delayed due to changes of ownership of the BLK Middle East licencing. Hopefully it all should be delivered before the Dubai 7’s.

Of the pitch, we were able to announce our sponsors for 2015/2016 Season, It’s with great appreciation that we welcome Our Main Sponsor RSS, Silver sponsor DEKRA INSIGHT, and our Bronze sponsors McGettigans, James Tucker and Emril. We are very grateful for all our sponsors support and we look forward to a mutually beneficial Season Please have a read through our great Newsletter as there is a lot of information contained in it that is useful. Make sure you take note of the Dubai 7’s note and follow the instructions in the emails that you will receive over the few weeks.

Mike Quinn Chairman Dubai Sharks RFC

.

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The Shark Bite Serious Rugby, Seriously Social… Sponsors Page Sponsorship is a major factor behind the success our club and the reason we have been able to develop so rapidly in recent years. The Dubai Sharks are extremely pleased to introduce the following sponsors for the 2015-16 season: RSS – Cool Power For Sharks Dubai Sharks are proud to have on board Rental Solutions & Services RSS for the 2015-16 season as our main sponsor. A relationship that we believe will be mutually beneficial, we are very happy to have on board RSS for the first time. RSS is a leading provider of temporary power and cooling solutions in the region and was recently featured amongst the top 15 best rental equipment company in the Middle East. If their services are of interest, please get in touch and we can make the necessary introductions, alternatively please visit www.rss.ae for more details. Dekra Insight Global safety firm DEKRA Insight is proud to sponsor the Dubai Sharks for the 2015-16 season. Continuing the long-time sponsorship of legacy company BST, DEKRA Insight looks forward to joining the wider Dubai community in cheering on the Sharks. DEKRA Insight helps clients protect people and assets through solutions built on proven methodologies, rigorous research, and unparalleled innovation and thought leadership. If you’d like to learn more please visit www.dekra-insight.com or contact us for an introduction

JAMES TUCKER

McGettigans Every Sharks and Sharkettes’ favourite drinking establishment. With two locations in Downtown, World Trade Centre and in JLT, you will be sure to find members there for socials and for all major sporting events. Head down this weekend for a full weekend of celebrations to mark the birthday of McGettigan's JLT... We opened our doors to the public 5 years and haven't looked back since! We’ve a huge weekend of celebrations planned with tonnes of extra live entertainment along and fantastic food and drink offers. Make sure you keep the weekend free from Thursday 19th – Saturday 21st November. http://www.mcgettigans.com/ Emril Another long time supporter of the Sharks, we are very pleased to welcome on board Emrill for another season. Emrill is an award winning Integrated Facilities Management provider in the United an exceptionally high level of client retention and steady growth since its inception in 2002. With over 6,000 staff directly employed, the company offers the full range of Facilities and Asset Management services with innovative solutions tailored to support Clients from different sectors. http://www.emrill.com/about-us/ James Tucker This year we are very pleased to introduce James Tucker, our very own Sharks member as Sponsor. As a fully registered private financial advisor, please feel free to contact James for any no obligation financial advice. [email protected]

The Shark Bite Serious Rugby, Seriously Social…



McgeAgans JLT – CelebraEng 5 years.



Head down for a full weekend of celebrations to mark the birthday of McGettigan's JLT. We opened our doors to the public 5 years and haven't looked back since! We’ve a huge weekend of celebrations planned with tons of extra live entertainment along and fantastic food and drink offers. Make sure you keep the weekend free from Thursday 19th – Saturday 21st November. Thursday 19th November All house beverages just AED19 until 9pm! For those who can sneak out of work early you can enjoy 5 free drinks if you arrive before 5pm. Finally a free music concert by legendary 80's super group 'Spring Break' to transport The Baggot at McGettigan's JLT back to the 1980s for a night of bangin' birthday floor-fillers from 10pm. More details on Thursday's antics please follow this link:https://goo.gl/ty1rTc

JAMES TUCKER

Friday 20th November Enjoy a 6 HOUR Bumper Birthday Brunch kicking off at 12pm, just AED249 gets you an amazing brunch spread (until 4pm) and SIX hours of unlimited house drinks until 6pm. You can also take advantage of our fantastic ‘Birthday Bonus’ unlimited drinks from 7-10pm for only AED149. More info on Friday's Bumper Birthday Brunch please follow this link:https://goo.gl/ NSiLSI Saturday 21st November You can enjoy 21AED drinks all day long with extra live entertainment and garden BBQ all day long! Check out McGettigan's JLT 'Super Saturday' Facebook event:https://goo.gl/A1xfLp

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The Shark Bite Serious Rugby, Seriously Social… 1st X CO-Head Coach, Richard Ba0ley – ‘the Season So far’





It was clear from the offset all those months back when Pre-season kicked off on the 1st July that Dubai Sharks Rugby club as a whole would experience a very different season ahead.



The exponential growth in numbers, the nature and maturity of the coaching and the direction and expectation from the committee all thrown into one pot equals a strong and willing club with sights set higher than ever before. The club has seen many changes and welcomed new players this season which has seen the first squad play at a much higher level word go.

It has been pleasing to see the majority of existing Sharks Players approach this season fitter, stronger and ready to play top quality rugby from the Thus far, the first squad have played some of the finest rugby seen coming out of Sports City including wins over Arabian Knights, Heartbeat Tigers and Al Ain 2s. A number of close encounters against Wasps, Sharjah and Exiles have only seen the enthusiastic squad improving further and developing as a very solid and exciting team to watch. Currently sitting in contention for a top 6 place, the first squad have everything to play for to make the 2015/16 season the most successful season in the clubs history.

A number of challenging games ahead after the 7s tournament will certainly be a test for the team nevertheless, the team is growing from strength to strength and with a tough training schedule over the winter break we will see the squad approaching the second part of the season with the high expectations to win games and fight for that place in the league.

SOCIAL EVENTS - Dates for the Diary … Keep the following dates in your diary

JAMES TUCKER

20th Nov- EDEN Park 7s – Dubai Sports City Rugby Park. 9:00 am onwards BBQ, Beverages and 7s tournament. 29th Nov – Dubai Sharks Ladies Vs Brazil National 7s team. 7:00 pm Dubai Sports City. 2nd Dec – Pre Dubai 7’s Shirt Presentation. 7 pm Warwick Hotel, Rooftop Bar. 11th Dec – Mid Season/Xmas Party – Belgiun Beer Café, Millenium Hotel, Tecom. 5:00 pm onwards. Please contact the Social Committee to book your place and pay. 18th Dec – Dubai Sharks Xmas Camping – Please accept the Facebook event (https://www.facebook.com/events/912089325505288/) If you have any suggestions for any social events please get in touch with Social Committee ( James “Bazza” Tucker, Daniel Crumps, Evan Kerr)

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The Shark Bite Serious Rugby, Seriously Social… 2nd XV Coach, Adrian Cartwright– ‘the Season So far’





The start of the 2015/2016 season has been somewhat disappointing for The Sharks 2nd XV who would probably have envisaged a better return than 1 win from 3 outings prior to the season



JAMES TUCKER

beginning. A good start resulted in a home win against The Rocks, although it was evident that it was the guys' first outing as a team. We then paid for a slow start against The Beaver Nomads who managed to score 12 points in the first 15 minutes or so of the game. The Sharks did well to pull the game level by half time, but a dominant Beaver scrum took it's toll in the end and the risk of a breakaway try was always looming; exactly what happened and a cruel way to lose a tight game. A lengthy break of 4 - 5 weeks then ensued before an away game against Al Ain 3rd XV where The Sharks really didn't get into gear. The mid season break will hopefully be a period for a coming together on the training ground with some back to basics skills and full buy in and understanding of the strategy in order to see us progress into 2016 with the wind in our sails. There is no doubt that The Sharks have the ability to do just that with no shortage of talent within what has grown to become a fantastic club able to churn out 3 teams capable of competing against anybody within the Community League on a weekly basis. 2016 brings more regular games, and that is exactly what is required in order to progress - bring it on!!!

3rd XV Coach, Drew Franklin – ‘the Season So far’ Every game of rugby is a good game of rugby in my book, especially if you’re alive at the end to tell lies, drink beer and play another game soon enough. On that sound philosophy, Thirds have enjoyed five games of rugby, taking two wins, and unlucky not to take a third. The season started with a home derby against a Knights team that was a close match played with good spirit, although they enjoyed some annoyingly evasive centres who managed to run in a try or six which ended up being the difference in the end. Next round was the first time the Sharks have fielded 3 men’s teams in the same afternoon, and every single available Sharks player took to the field. On that weekend we took a win against the Rocks, with the Rocks now thrice being sent home from DSC winless but in great spirit because they are a tremendous bunch of lads. The following weekend, we journeyed out to 7he Sevens to play the Beavers, learning from the 2nds narrow loss the week before we were able to have a very competitive match. They had some strong running backs who will surely receive some attention from WADA soon, nonetheless the game was only decided on the final whistle by a contentious referees decision, and we were very unlucky to lose 47-17. That game was marked by Nippa’s failure to convert a penalty try, the first ever time this has happened in the history of rugby.

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The Shark Bite Serious Rugby, Seriously Social…



JAMES TUCKER

The next round we faced Hurricanes 3rds and kept them tryless, taking home a bonus point in the process. When I say faced, I mean were prepared to face them, and would have kept them tryless, taking home a bonus point in the process, if they had of turned up, which they didn’t, however their forfeit saved them the effort of being humiliated by the mighty Sharks, and the score stands at 20-0 to us, a fair reflection of the game. This past weekend we matched up against Quins 3rds at DSC, and after a pre-game routine which included the #10 turning up at 7he Sevens (we won’t name him, but he’s Portuguese and won’t fly your plane or desex your dog) we fought out a close tussle, scoring 2 tries apiece, and they only won by kicking their conversions, which is a cheat’s way of winning anyway. We came back bravely from 14-0 down, proving to ourselves, and surprising most of us, that we had what it took to win the game, and were on a roll when the referee prematurely and unfairly finished the game after only 80 minutes play, otherwise the win was ours. MOM for all five of our matches was James Mulhair, always an easy decision for a coach to make. If you’re wondering where the 3rds are on the table, first find the 2nds and then cast your eyes upwards.



We need your help:

As the club grows, the list of liQle jobs grow and we need to grow the number of people who can assist so if you in anyway can help Are you are potenRal journalist who might be interested in wriRng game reports for our website, _ Page and this newsleQer! Contributors to this newsleQer Are you a website wiz or good at markeRng. We already have a number of guys who do a lot of good work on this front, but they need support and help to keep it updated on all of our public medias. Match Days we need people who can support the team managers, with kit, water, ice, pitch for league games and training If interested please contact Nikhil Agarwal [email protected]

Your Club, Your Say: On the first Tuesday of every month, we hold CommiQee MeeRngs, every member is welcome to aQend these meeRngs, where we agree on the way forward for our club. Its your club so please come along and make a posiRve impact on where our club is going. Watch the emails for this and please do parRcipate, its important you have your say… Also, if you have a club suggesRon or any content for this newsleQer then email us: [email protected]



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The Shark Bite Serious Rugby, Seriously Social… Ladies Assistant Coach, Nick Baron – ‘the Season So far’ It was a fantastic start to the season with an unexpected number of women, of all ages, turning up to show interest in the game. Of course we can’t forget to mention the first two at pre-season training with the lads, Alaina and Nicki! With all of the pre-season out of the way the first tournament was a short trip to Abu Dhabi at the start of October. A great opportunity to give the entire squad a run around with some great competition. The ladies had a total of three teams competing in various levels of the competition, which in itself was a fantastic achievement. Due to a number of factors the Sharks B and C team were in the same league, which made playing against each other equal parts of interesting and entertaining. The Sharks A team were up against some stiff competition, as found out in previous seasons, but had some great wins and were arguably the most physical team in the league. Unfortunately, as with any contact sport, there were several injuries but glad to say that most are back to training and all are looking forward to fighting for a starting berth for the 7s. All in all an absolutely brilliant day and a special mention for the Sharks B who won every game and were subsequently promoted into the next tier. Another special mention for Sorcha for getting player of the tournament

JAMES TUCKER

Next came the first ‘home’ Sharks 7s tournament at Dubai Sports City. With mainly the same teams as Abu Dhabi it was a great opportunity for the Sharks As to see how they had improved week on week since the first tournament. The Sharks Bs were now in a more challenging league and, despite a great effort by all involved, proved a task too much with one win out of four. However it was clear that even though the results were not ideal the games were very close and the girls, with little adjustments in training, would easily compete well and win this league.

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The Shark Bite Serious Rugby, Seriously Social… Ladies Assistant Coach, Nick Baron – ‘the Season So far’ Sharjah were up next to host the 7s competition at the beginning of November. With the Sharks being allowed three teams again we were able to aim to replicate the success of Abu Dhabi and the players did not disappoint. With the As competing at the highest level and showing the best defence of the season so far and winning some closely fought games, some high scoring games and unfortunately stumbling in a tight game. Overall it was a brilliant day for what defence should look like and some positives to build on towards the 7s. As for the Bs, they took a leaf out of the As performance book and showed some magnificent defence in all of their games which led them to once again win their league and gain promotion. The Sharks C team had some tough draws and had showed some great plays throughout the day with each player showing significant improvement since Abu Dhabi. A noticeable theme throughout the Sharjah competition was the defence and physicality in the Sharks teams. A special mention for Claire who won M.O.M for Sharjah. With a few tournaments between now and the 7s there is plenty of time for the girls to put their hands up and show that they want a starting place. As far as we as coaches are concerned, we could not be happier with the way that the girls have progressed week in week out and taking what we say on board and most importantly putting it into practice when it matters. All of the above considered it is apparent that the Sharks will not only show up at the 7s but also be in serious contention to walk away with at least one piece of silverware. Nick, Assistant Coach, Sharks women.

JAMES TUCKER

Dubai 7’s 2014 By far the worlds greatest Rugby Weekend is nearly upon us and this year is runs from 3rd Dec – 5th Dec. We will be entering the following teams: - 2 x Men's Vets 10’s - 2 x Men's 7’s - 1 x U19 team -  1 x InternaRonal Vets – Bali Legends The next page has a list of the fixtures we have for the various teams.

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Dubai Sharks RFC DUBAI 7’s Schedule

Date

Tim e

Pitch

POOL

Team

Opp

2nd DEC 7.00pm SHIRT PRESENTATION TO ALL TEAMS - at The WARWICK HOTEL (See further emails) 03-Dec

10:00:00

7

IV F

Dnata Bali Legends

v

Jonesy's X Men

03-Dec

10:20:00

3

GMV B

Abu Dhabi Quins Vets

v

Dubai Frogs 10's

03-Dec

10:40:00

5

GMV D

APB Dubai Sharks 10s

v

Beaver Nom ads Vets

03-Dec

11:00:00

2

GMO A

APB Dubai Sharks 7's

v

Kuw ait Scorpians

03-Dec

12:40:00

7

IV F

Dnata Bali Legends

v

Watem bezi Potbellies

03-Dec

13:20:00

3

GMV B

Dubai Frogs 10's

v

Muscat Vets

03-Dec

13:20:00

5

GMV D

APB Dubai Sharks 10s

v

Bahrain Golden Oldies

03-Dec

14:00:00

2

GMO A

APB Dubai Sharks 7's

v

Riyadh Warriors

JAMES TUCKER

03-Dec 2.25pm WHOLE CLUB PHOTO By Club House corner by pool and pitch 7 03-Dec

15:00:00

8

GW C

Abu Dhabi Quins 2

v

Dubai Sharks Wom en

03-Dec

15:40:00

6

GBU19 E

APB Dubai Sharks U19

v

Abu Dhabi Quins

03-Dec

16:00:00

7

GW B

Doha Ladies

v

Wasps(Sharks) Wom en

03-Dec

16:40:00

2

GML A

Dubai Frogs 7's

v

Dragons 1

03-Dec

18:20:00

8

GW C

Dubai Sharks Wom en

v

Heartbeat Tigers

03-Dec

18:40:00

7

GW B

Wasps(Sharks) Wom en

v

Sharjah Wanderers

03-Dec

18:40:00

6

GBU19 E

APB Dubai Sharks U19

v

Dubai Exiles

03-Dec

19:00:00

7

GML A

Dubai Frogs 7's

v

Abu Dhabi Quins 1

03-Dec

21:05:00

2

GML A

Dubai Frogs 7's

v

Red Sea Sharks

04-Dec

10:00:00

7

IV F

Dnata Bali Legends

v

Crusaders Rugby

04-Dec

10:20:00

6

GMV D

APB Dubai Sharks 10s

v

Joining Jack Vets

04-Dec

10:40:00

3

GMV B

Dubai Frogs 10's

v

Jeddah RFC Vets

04-Dec

11:32:00

2

GMO A

APB Dubai Sharks 7's

v

Nom ads Am m an

04-Dec

14:20:00

8

GW C

Dubai Sharks Wom en

v

Em irates Firebirds

04-Dec

15:00:00

7

GW B

Wasps(Sharks) Wom en

v

Abu Dhabi Quins 1

04-Dec

17:20:00

6

GBU19 E

APB Dubai Sharks U19

v

Dubai College

Potential Kick off tim es for Next Rounds on Friday 4th Dec POOL

Tim e

GML A

20:40:00

Dubai Frogs 7's

GMO A

14:20:00

APB Dubai Sharks 7's

GMV B

13:00:00

Dubai Frogs 10's

GMV D

13:00:00

APB Dubai Sharks 10's

GW C

17:40:00

Dubai Sharks Wom en

GW B

17:40:00

Wasp (SHARKS) Wom en

GBU19 E 19:20:00 IV F

11:40:00

Team

APB Dubai Sharks U19s Dnata Bali Legends

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