There was a welcome addition to the Dubai College rugby sevens tournament this year as Brothers Rugby Club from Brisbane, Australia made their tournament debut.
The visiting side were made to feel welcome by the large numbers of spectators who lined the side lines throughout the day. Brothers under 16’s head coach Richard says that the tournament was the primary reason for their visit to the UAE.
“We came over here to play in the sevens tournament. We’re playing in this tournament and then we’re going to play a big of rugby in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain but the main reason was to come and play in this tournament,” Richard said.
The touring side made sure that their trip was more than just a holiday as they played their way through their pool gaining many admirers along the way. 
Brothers faced a tough game in the semi-finals but made their way through to the Cup Final where they met hosts Dubai College on the campus’ pitch 1.
A large crowd gathered to watch the event’s final game as the sun began to set and it was Brothers who scored the final’s first try after working the ball excellently from their own 5-metre line. After a couple of phases of play and a number of swiftly dispatched passes the Australians ran in to score on the right wing.
However, the hosts replied to Brothers’ impressive play with three tries of their own – the last of which was an excellent chip and chase resulting in a try under the posts with only minutes left in the second half.
Brothers RC captain Josh was pleased with the way his team performed in the final, despite the result: “It was a tough game, they put up a great fight so it tested the boys really well. We’re really happy with our game and hopefully we can improve.”
Coach Richard was quick to praise the winners, Dubai College, after an exhilarating final which capped a successful day for the hosts. He too was pleased with the way his side performed in the final.
“I thought our boys put in a really good effort in the final and they’re a good team. Our boys did pretty well, we had a really tough semi-final and the final was a real tough game as well – we’re very proud of how they played,” he said.
Although the tour was primarily focussed on rugby and the Dubai College tournament, Josh said his teammates are looking forward to exploring more of Dubai in the time the team have left in the UAE.
“We’re over here for ten days. Tomorrow we’re going to the sand dunes to do some things there and then we’re going to spend a day in Atlantis so that will be good fun. We’re going to the mall one day too – the boys are really keen to do all those activities.”
For more information about Brothers Rugby Club you can visit their website here: http://www.brothersrugby.com/