The rugby season in the UAE kicked off on October 5th, and it was a day to remember for the Harlequins Women’s team.

Under the guidance of their new head coach, Hugo Leaver, they celebrated a big win in their first 7s tournament of the season, right at home.

This victory marked a great start for Leaver, who’s just beginning his journey with the team. After the game, he shared his thoughts on what the win meant, his transition to coaching, and the road ahead for the Harlequins Women.

“A team that can make an impact’

Leaver Leaver has loved rugby for as long as he can remember. He grew up playing in local clubs like Nelson Rugby Club and later competed at university level. His playing days took him abroad to the Abu Dhabi Harlequins, where he was part of a premiership-winning squad. But after years of playing, injuries caught up with him. He decided it was time to step back from playing and focus on a new challenge: rugby coaching.

“I’ve been playing since I was a kid, but you pick up some knocks along the way. It just made sense to play less and focus on other things, like my health and work,” he explained. Although this is his first full season as a rugby coach, he’s been involved with the sport in other ways for years. He’s worked with both men’s and women’s teams, including time with the Loughborough Lightning in the UK, which gave him a strong foundation for this new role.

Leaver’s debut as head coach started with a bang, as the Harlequins Women took home the victory in their first 7s tournament.

Reflecting on the win, Leaver said, “It’s a fantastic feeling. We knew going into this season that we have a team that can make an impact, but seeing the girls perform so well, especially this early, was incredible.”

This win also meant a lot for Leaver as he looks to build on the progress made by previous coaches.

“Last season, the senior ladies did a great job under their former coach, Blu, and Jason, who’s still leading our Bats (2nd Team). For me, this season is a chance to build on that and help the girls reach their potential. This win shows we’re on the right track,” he said.

“It felt right to come together and honor him”

The victory was made even more special with a heartfelt moment of remembrance. After the tournament, the team took a minute to honor Angus Woodhead, a beloved member of the Harlequins community. Leaver spoke about how important this tribute was for the club.

“He was a big supporter of women’s rugby, and I’m sure his memory gave us an extra push on the field.”

“Rugby clubs like Harlequins thrive because of the dedication of volunteers and families. Angus and his family have made a huge impact here. It felt right to come together and honor him on the opening weekend,” he said. “He was a big supporter of women’s rugby, and I’m sure his memory gave us an extra push on the field.”

With a strong start behind them, Leaver and the Harlequins Women are focused on what’s next. When asked about the team’s mindset moving forward, Leaver shared that they’re working hard to keep improving.

“We’re focused on building our systems and getting better with each game. But we’ve shown that we’re here to compete,” he said.

He’s excited about the talent in the team, especially with new players stepping up during pre-season. Their upcoming friendly against the Exiles will be an important chance to see how far they’ve come. “It’s great to have so many talented players this year. Picking the line-up for the games won’t be easy, but that’s a good problem to have,” Leaver said.

‘Always getting better and having fun’

Leaver’s goals go beyond just winning matches. He’s passionate about growing women’s rugby and giving more opportunities to the players.

“We want to get more girls involved in rugby, not just on the field but also as referees and coaches,” he explained.

He’s especially proud of the players who have made it into the UAE training squad and hopes to see more of them representing the country. With the team competing in about 7 or 8 tournaments this season, there’s plenty of room to try new strategies and give younger players a chance to shine.

“It’s all about helping them grow and reach new levels,” he said.

Leaver has a modern style when it comes to coaching, focusing on skill development rather than old-school drills.

“We want the girls to enjoy their time on the field while also learning and improving,” he said. “It’s not just about the tough practices—it’s about making sure they’re always getting better and having fun along the way.”

‘Building something lasting’

With their first win in the bag, the Harlequins Women are ready to take on the rest of the season. Leaver has brought new energy and a clear vision to the team, and he’s excited to see what they can achieve together.

“It’s about building something lasting and creating memories that the players will be proud of,” he said.

The season is just getting started, but the Harlequins Women have already shown that they’re a team to watch. With Leaver’s leadership, a talented squad, and a commitment to honoring the club’s legacy, the future looks bright for Harlequins Women’s rugby. The fans, the club, and the players themselves are eager to see what comes next.