On your marks, get set, PLAY TOUCH!
Photo Credit: Melissa Lear
Phase 2 of ‘Return To Rugby’
In an announcement on Sunday, the UAERF moved to phase 2 of their Return to Play protocols. Whilst to the lay-man this may have little bearing on day to day life, it does mean that some of the restrictions around rugby have been lifted: increase in numbers at training sessions and it also permits mini & youth rugby to resume this weekend without the restrictions on numbers.
The UAE Rugby Federation is also the local governing body for Touch Rugby in the UAE and with Phase 2 of the return to play, has permitted the resumption of Touch. This allows sanctioned leagues and tournaments to resume game play, which is fantastic news for all of us who have been unable to play any games for the last 6 months. Touch offers a very good and immediate alternative for players, coaches and refs who are keen to ramp up their fitness and hone their skills ahead of the return of contact rugby in Phase 4 of the RTP protocols.
Photo Credit: Melissa Lear
With this in mind, Yalla Rugby HQ decided to look into the local Touch scene to find out what is available. We spoke to the organisers of the Aetna Super 6’s, arguably Dubai’s largest touch league which has been in operation for 4 years. We were impressed to see they offer Men’s, Mixed and Ladies grades and cater to both social teams as well as a competitive division. They have welcomed the decision by UAERF to resume game play saying;
“We have been working with the UAERF to get the approvals that we need to start the league and we are absolutely delighted to be able to get things moving and get people back out playing”
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It may be a while before we see the Gulf rugby union heavyweights battling it out on the pitch but until then, for those needing a rugby fix maybe Touch is the way forward.
For more details on the Super 6’s or to sign up visit here
