Anyway, the day after was the Dubai Rugby Sevens; an expat institution (aka huge piss up) and an event which is older than the country. We normally don't go since it isn't a great deal of fun either for, or with, young kids. This year, however, was different.
Ben, 7, and Max, 4, both play for the Dubai Hurricanes in the U8s and U5s. Every Friday morning we drive 30 minutes out of Dubai into the desert location that is now home of rugby in Dubai. Even though it is often an effort due to suffering from the night before (I am not alone in this by any means!), I do enjoy getting out there. It is the only sporting activity we do that is a) not run for profit and b) run by dads of all rugby playing nationalities who want their kids to enjoy rugby. Everything else we do, at least it seems to me, is all geared up to lightening your wallet.
Ben, like his father, isn't a natural sportsman but does put in the effort and was rewarded by being picked in the side to play in an exhibition match at the Sevens between the internationals. They warmed up on the sidelines, just like the national teams, as Australia struggled to overcome the Argentinians.
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The match itself was only six minutes, but good fun with a crowd of well over 20,000 shouting and cheering. The intention was to showcase rugby to local people and hopefully get them to get their kids along too. I reckon it couldn't have gone much better in that respect - the kids played well and were obviously enjoying it.
Afterwards there was a little presentation of a medal and small gift on the pitch for all the kids by Lawrence Dallaglio. Although none of the kids knew who he was, we were impressed, and a very proud bunch of parents.
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