With the folding of the Abu Dhabi Pumas, the Harlequins now stand as the only senior rugby club in Abu Dhabi, adding a significant level of responsibility on their shoulders. As the 2024/25 season approaches, the pressure is on.

“It’s Abu Dhabi against the world,” quips Matt Thomas, Director of Rugby at the Harlequins, and that statement perfectly captures the mindset as they prepare for their first weekend of rugby.

Matt Thomas and Julian Brattman, both Forwards’ Coaches, are excited about what lies ahead. Brattman, now in his second season with the club, sees it as a chance to continue building on last year’s progress.

“It’s like putting a jigsaw puzzle together,” he says, noting how the various elements of the team are coming together nicely. The club’s preparation has been solid, with a productive preseason that has given the coaching staff a good sense of where the team stands.

“The women and senior men have gone from strength to strength.”

“It’s been a good five-week preseason,” says Thomas. “The women and senior men have gone from strength to strength.” One of the key factors behind their optimism is player retention. Thomas highlights that more players are sticking with the club because they see the value of being part of something consistent and positive both on and off the field.

Another source of pride for the Harlequins is their role in the growth of rugby across the UAE. Several Harlequins players were part of the UAE national team, which recently played in a high-profile match against South Korea. “We have six or seven guys in that squad now,” notes Thomas, underscoring the club’s contribution to the national rugby scene.

Both Thomas and Brattman believe that UAE rugby is on the rise, with the national team benefiting from exposure to higher-ranked opponents. This exposure is helping not just the men’s team but also the women’s side, which has been gaining momentum in recent years.

Brattman is particularly interested in an upcoming UAE match against Germany, drawing from his own experience playing against the German national team. “My last ever rugby match was against Germany,” he shares, recalling a centenary match he played for the Barbarians against the Germans. He’s eager to see how the UAE performs and is excited about the role of local talent in the country’s rugby development.

“The key to it is getting local talent feeding through,” he says, emphasising that a mix of local and expat players is what will take UAE rugby to the next level.

‘We just wanted positive outcomes’

The Harlequins are no strangers to tough competition. They recently faced Bahrain in a preseason match, one of the top teams in the region. While the outcome wasn’t the focus, both Thomas and Brattman were pleased with the team’s performance.

“We just wanted positive outcomes,” says Brattman, noting that the focus was on how the team played rather than the scoreline. Thomas agrees, adding that the match created a ‘real buzz’ around the club. It’s a testament to the hard work the players have put in during the preseason, and it’s clear that they’re ready to continue improving as the season progresses.

“We cannot underestimate the current champions,”

Looking ahead to their first official match of the season against Jebel Ali Dragons, last year’s Premiership Champions, the Harlequins are focused on themselves rather than their opponents. “We cannot underestimate the current champions,” acknowledges Thomas, but he believes the Harlequins are prepared to give their best. For him, the goal is clear: to improve week by week, focusing on performance and growth. Brattman echoes this sentiment, stating that the team’s priority is to “put our footprint on the game.” They’re not just looking to compete but to dominate in their own style.

When asked about standout players to watch this season, both Thomas and Brattman downplay individual recognition, instead emphasising the importance of teamwork. “We are only as good as our last game,” says Brattman, adding that what excites him is how the team performs as a unit. For him, success lies in collective effort rather than relying on a few star players. Thomas agrees, noting that when players stick to the team’s structure, “the team will shine.”

‘I gave you everything’

With senior players coaching juniors and a strong sense of community across all levels, the club is more than just a rugby team. “It’s a one-club mentality,” says Thomas, highlighting the importance of integrating younger players and fostering a strong, inclusive environment. The Harlequins’ focus on player development goes beyond skills on the pitch; it’s about building character and creating a lasting legacy for the club.

As the new season looms, both Thomas and Brattman are optimistic about what lies ahead. For them, success isn’t just measured by wins and losses but by the effort and commitment of the players. “All I’m after is for the players to look each other in the eye at the end of a game and say, ‘I gave you everything today,’” says Thomas. That’s the standard they’re setting for the season.