Abu Dhabi Week speaks to HSBC Rugby Ambassadors and sporting legends George Gregan and Gavin Hastings amidst their visit to the UAE supporting grassroots rugby

 

 

George Gregan

What does your role as an HSBC Rugby Ambassador involve?

We work with young players all over the world at grassroots level. I was at the Etihad Junior Rugby Festival recently – it was fantastic. HSBC set up rugby skills sessions on things like agility and catch and pass. Making the game enjoyable is part of it. HSBC promotes integrity and good sportsmanship and those are things that as an ambassador I can pass on.

 

How has rugby in the UAE progressed since you began your ambassadorship?

I was here last year at around this time and we did a bit of coaching. We visited an Emirati school and I think the kids really enjoyed the fact that people of all shapes and sizes can be involved in the game. They seemed to enjoy the contact aspect too, just getting in there with the shoulder and that sort of thing.

 

Fast forward to the Junior Rugby Festival this year and I saw two Emirati teams participating. That’s really pleasing that there are local teams competing and enjoying the game.

Have you seen much of Abu Dhabi on your travels here?

Where we stayed was opposite the Grand Mosque, but unfortunately I didn’t get in to have a look inside. I saw Zayed Sports City, which I was really impressed with. That is something we could aspire to have back in Australia – they coordinated over 2,000 children at the rugby festival and did it seamlessly.

 

 

Gavin Hastings

Former Scottish rugby international Gavin Hastings is also positive about rugby’s progress in the region.

 

“Sometimes it’s difficult when you’re only here for a few days and then you’re away again. You only need to see the enthusiasm on the faces of the kids. It doesn’t matter what sport you play, if kids are having fun, that’s the main thing.”