Trio of Ex Dubai Hurricanes Coaches Now Swimming With The Sharks

It’s been a busy week for the Dubai Sharks.

Earlier this week the local Division 1 side announced to the world, that former England rugby captain Dylan Hartley will be their Director of Rugby for the new 2022/23 season as they set the foundations for what they hope will be a successful promotion campaign to the UAE Premiership division.

Off the back of that announcement comes another, as three former Dubai Hurricanes coaches have reunited in new roles at the Dubai Sharks rugby club.

Matthew Pewtner – Head Coach

Former Wales Sevens player, Matt Pewtner will take the Head Coach role.

Pewtner played for Newport Gwent Dragons for 10 years, played on the international sevens circuit for Wales before concussion concerns forced him from playing.

Pat Benson – Assistant Coach

Assistant Coach, Pat Benson, will take charge of strength and conditioning. Benson’s beefy CV includes; Ireland U18/19s, Ireland 18/19’s, Italy 21’s, England universities and students, GB7’s students, Gloucester, Worcester, England beach rugby and a qualified World Rugby Level 3 Coach.

Josh Ives – Assistant Coach/Youth Development

Josh Ives, having only joined the Hurricanes at the beginning of the 2021-22 season, also assists with coaching and will lead the player and youth development for the club. Ives is a former UAE National player, previous coach of the Under 19 UAE National side and ex-lead coach of Apollo Perelini’s Rugby Academy.

Speaking with Josh Ives, he said; “Yeah it’s pretty exciting isn’t it? For Pewts, Pat and I, being able to stay and work together is great for us and it’s just a challenge none of us have had yet – you know, trying to get a team into the premiership, it’s really exciting.”

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