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New Zealand rugby’s famous Small Blacks brand will have a base at the Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Centre.
Small Blacks Abu Dhabi became NZR’s first officially licensed grassroots development outside New Zealand and girls and boys aged 3 to 16 can now become members of Small Blacks Abu Dhabi.
They started their program at an open house on September 2 and began training three days later.
NZR commercial chief executive Richard Thomas said: “This is an exciting partnership for New Zealand Rugby to expand the reach of the Small Blacks brand and forge new relationships for our growth plans.”
“We have been impressed by the care and enthusiasm shown by the Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Centre for developing rugby in the UAE and we believe Small Blacks can help grow the game in emerging markets and foster some lasting relationships .”
Small Blacks Abu Dhabi builds on a partnership that has seen the Black Ferns and All Blacks sevens team use the Hub’s training facility on the eve of major international matches since 2017.
During this period, New Zealand players and coaches conducted community coaching sessions with players from across the UAE.
“New Zealand Rugby has entrusted us with the Little Blacks’ first international outpost, and we are incredibly proud and look forward to building on our existing relationship to build on our long-term partnership,” Abramovich CEO Matt Boucher Zabi Cricket and Sports Centre said.
“The All Blacks are the flag-bearers of international rugby and one of the most recognisable brands in world sport.
“We share their intrinsic values ​​of integrity, teamwork and community enhancement. This historic partnership demonstrates the Centre’s commitment to providing excellence in sporting opportunities for our community and ensuring that Abu Dhabi’s name is synonymous with the world’s The greatest sports brands resonate with aspiring talent.”
Through Small Blacks, NZR has curated a participation-based community programme with the overarching philosophy that games must be safe and enjoyable for all.
Small Blacks Abu Dhabi will use this blueprint to engage and educate children across the region, giving young players the opportunity to develop a variety of skills as their age group progresses, with skill development and strict safety measures being the main focus of coaches.
Once launched, Small Blacks Abu Dhabi will officially incorporate the Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub’s 10-month-old rugby offering, with 245 boys and girls led by 12 world rugby-certified coaches under the tutelage of New Zealand-born Aaron Persico. Represented Italy 56 times and participated in the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
Small Blacks Abu Dhabi will play in regional championships and Emirates Rugby Confederation rugby matches.
Additional indoor and outdoor professional skills camps will run throughout the season to keep rugby running year-round.
Updated: August 25, 2022 8:26 am
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