Rugby Legend Henry Paul is known across the globe as being one of the most successful dual-code rugby players in history, so when ESM secured his services to head up their new rugby academy, it marked a big coup, not just for the company, but also for GCC rugby in general.
Gulf Youth Sport caught up with Henry earlier in the week to find out more about how he is enjoying life in Dubai.
Mention the name Henry Paul to any rugby fan in either hemisphere, and you are sure to be met with a nod, a smile, and maybe even a puff of the cheeks, such is the legacy that the Kiwi-born, dual-code, dual-country international.
Having hung up his boots in 2011 after an illustrious career spanning almost two decades, the 42-year old embarked on a career in coaching, with a view to transferring his skills and experience onto the next generation of rugby fanatics. After working with xxx, Paul received a call from his agent, offering him the opportunity to head out to the UAE to head-up ESM's brand-new Rugby Academy.
"Quote" Have you been here before? What did you think when you got the call?
Although the Academy is in its infancy, Paul believes there is great potential for both the ESM Academy, and for the sport in general in the region:
"Quote" How are things going with the Rugby academy? What do you think of rugby, in general, in the UAE region?
In addition to developing Dubai's future stars, Paul has also been coaxed into coaching Jebel Ali Dragon's First XV:
How did that come about? Are you enjoying working with adults?