It is the first New Zealand Rugby programme outside New Zealand.
Abu Dhabi’s rugby world will be turning ‘All Black’ thanks to a new partnership between Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub (ADCSH) and the New Zealand Rugby (NZR) that sees the creation of the Small Blacks Abu Dhabi.
The first international home of the acclaimed junior coaching resource, Small Blacks Abu Dhabi will see girls and boys between three to 16 years being able to learn from some of the sharpest rugby brains on the planet and develop a wide range of skills as they progress through the age groups.
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Once launched, Small Blacks Abu Dhabi will formally absorb ADCSH’s 10-month-old rugby programme, with 245 boys and girls being led by 12 World Rugby-certified coaches under the direction of New Zealand-born Aaron Persico, who represented Italy 56 times and played at the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
Small Blacks Abu Dhabi will participate in regional tournaments and UAERF rugby fixtures across the season which runs from 5 September 2022 to 6 May 2023.
Seasonal prices for the programme are AED 1,450 (U4 to U8) and AED 1,950 (U9 to U16) with additional indoor and outdoor specialised skills camps running throughout the season to keep rugby running all-year round.
Speaking on the announcement ADCSH CEO Matt Boucher said; “We couldn’t be prouder that New Zealand Rugby has entrusted us with the Small Blacks’ first international out-post and look forward to building on our existing relationship to establish a longer-term partnership between us.
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“At Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub we look to partner Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the world’s premium rights holders to host international sport in the UAE capital, while providing a world-class community-focused facility for a growing customer base of 760,000 annually who play the 35 sports that we offer.
“The All Blacks are the standard bearers for international rugby and one of the most recognisable brands in world sport. We share their inherent values of integrity, teamwork, and community enhancement.
“This historic partnership demonstrates the hub’s deep commitment to providing exceptional sporting opportunities to our community and to ensuring Abu Dhabi’s name resonates with the world’s greatest sporting brands and aspiring talent.”
If your child is interested in pulling on the Small Blacks Abu Dhabi jersey, call 050 720 1278 or visit smallblacksabudhabi.com.
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