Rugby Hero Waisale Serevi TO INSpire a new generation at the HSBC rugby festival Dubai 2016
Fijian master to encourage Dubai youth at signature grassroots event as a special guest of title sponsor HSBC
Dubai, 17 January 2015: Legendary rugby union and sevens star Waisale Serevi is set to return to the UAE to inspire a new generation of grassroots rugby stars as a special guest of HSBC at the HSBC Rugby Festival Dubai on 22nd and 23rd of January 2016.
The Fijian former player, widely regarded to be one of the greatest sevens players of all time, heads to Dubai in what is a ground breaking season for rugby as all participants of the sport look ahead to its inclusion in the Olympics, set to take place in Rio later this year.
Now, building on the global excitement around the sport and youthful enthusiasm of local grassroots players, the 2016 edition of the HSBC Rugby Festival Dubai looks set to be the biggest and best yet, building on the previous instalment’s success which saw 220 teams compete with more than 4,500 players contesting for around 30 age group trophies.
During his visit Serevi will support and guide the UAE’s grassroots players at the HSBC Rugby Festival Dubai 2016 which will come as a welcome reward for local youngsters looking to learn from his experience and utilise his advice in this landmark rugby season. As a long-time supporter of rugby, HSBC’s opening up the sport of rugby through events such as the HSBC Rugby Festival Dubai, offers a unique opportunity for young players in Dubai and across the UAE.
Speaking ahead of his visit to Dubai and role as an HSBC ambassador at the HSBC Rugby Festival Dubai Waisale Serevi said:
“I’m thrilled to be returning to the UAE to connect with the passionate young rugby players and it’s my mission to inspire their performances, helping to further instil in them the positive messages the sport of rugby embodies. With rugby branching out to new audiences as fans look ahead to sevens involvement in the Olympics, 2016 is a golden opportunity for the development of the sport and the HSBC Rugby Festival Dubai is the perfect platform for young players in the UAE to mature, enhance and showcase their skills. Previously it has always been a rewarding experience for me to work with the future stars in Dubai and I can’t wait to pass on my knowledge for the benefit of them and the sport of rugby.”
Already the current rugby season, one which will run through to the milestone of the Olympic Games, has seen significant global developments. This year’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series has grown to ten locations worldwide while HSBC is also the first-ever title sponsor of the Women’s World Series, taking place in conjunction with the men’s series.
As a long term partner of rugby and its grassroots development, especially in the UAE David Kotheimer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Chief Operating Officer, HSBC Bank Middle East Ltd, UAE, spoke about the significance of this season’s HSBC Rugby Festival Dubai: “Grassroots sport is something extremely close to my heart and the HSBC Rugby Festival Dubai is an event I look forward to due to its exceptional qualities, exciting competition and unrivalled family atmosphere. Watching these young players seize their opportunities in game changing moments is an inspiration and enjoyment levels are set to reach a new high this year as the global enthusiasm for rugby flourishes at this pivotal time for the game.”
The HSBC Rugby Festival Dubai takes place from Friday 22rd to Saturday 23rd of January 2016 at The Sevens Stadium, Dubai. Thousands of young players are expected to compete across the two days of thrilling competition. Follow the conversation @HSBC_Sport on twitter and HSBC Sport on Facebook.
