Nominee: Derek McNaughtan
Derek McNaughtan originally comes from Scotland and grew up in Moray in the North East of Scotland. After finishing school, he studied at Robert Gordon University and Cranfield University. His career in the Oil and Gas Industry has taken him all over the world. For the last 10 years he has lived in the UAE.
On first arriving in the UAE the first order of the day from his oldest daughter was to find a rugby club. Friends and colleagues recommended the Dubai Exiles and his daughters have played for the Dubai Exiles for the last 10 years, starting with tag, then contact with the boys then moving to the girl’s teams for touch rugby, to where they are now at U19 and U15 girls. It was while they were playing touch that Derek thought rather than standing on the side lines watching he could do this and get a bit fitter, much to his daughters’ amusement. For the last 4 years Derek has been playing (more trying) with the Dubai Exile Adult Touch team and regularly plays in the Super 6’s as part of the Dubai Exiles Vets team. The most enjoyable part of playing with the Dubai Exiles is the diverse range of people you meet and the genuinely family atmosphere. The fact that any level of ability and age can play just makes it such an inclusive and fun sport to be around.
I am committed to the promotion, participation and enjoyment of Mini and Youth Rugby in a safe environment, at a level appropriate to each players skills and physical capabilities, now and into the future – with a goal of keeping players in the game. I will assist any other appointee as required to ensure the smooth running of the club, provide an open communication link between the Committee, our Members and other Clubs. From a Social perspective, my aim is to get people involved and participating in a variety of activities both post game and as part of the wider club functions and community.