Aaron Persico has been transitioning from a professional player to a dedicated coach, now shaping the future of youth rugby in the UAE.

Persico’s rugby journey began in New Zealand, a nation synonymous with the sport. Growing up surrounded by friends who played rugby, he quickly developed a passion for the game. This passion, combined with his Italian heritage, opened doors for him to play professionally in Italy, France, and England.

“I was lucky enough to play for the Italian national team, thanks to my grandfather’s Italian roots,” Aaron shared.

“Playing in Italy, France, and England was an incredible experience, and the support I received throughout my career was tremendous.”

After retiring from professional play, Persico felt a calling to give back to the sport. His transition to coaching was driven by a desire to mentor young players and instil in them the same love for rugby that had shaped his own life.

“I wanted to give back and help out in any way I could,” Persico explained. “Coaching in the UAE presented a unique challenge, but I was fortunate to be mentored by great coaches who taught me how to adapt my approach.”

‘A positive and fun environment’

Persico’s coaching philosophy revolves around participation and creating a welcoming environment for young players.

At the Abu Dhabi Small Blacks rugby club, as Director of Rugby, Persico’s primary objective is to introduce as many kids as possible to rugby, focusing especially on younger age groups.

“We want kids to feel safe, included, and to enjoy themselves,” Persico emphasised. “Our aim is to make rugby one of their preferred sports by fostering a positive and fun environment.”

Ensuring that each training session is well-planned and focused on skill development is crucial to Persico’s approach. He demands a high level of preparation from his coaching staff, with an emphasis on repetition and game-like scenarios to enhance decision-making.

“Our coaches need to plan every session meticulously, focusing on skill development and ensuring kids are engaged and active,” Persico said. “We strive to make each training session both challenging and enjoyable.”

A key part of Persico’s coaching philosophy is the concept of bravery. He encourages young players to be brave on the field, whether it’s making a tackle, positioning themselves correctly, or supporting their teammates.

“We give our players wristbands that say ‘be brave’,” Persico explained. “It’s about teaching them mental toughness and resilience, which are essential both on and off the field.”

‘A great opportunity for the sport to grow’

One of Persico’s proudest moments as a coach was hosting a large youth rugby tournament, which saw participation from over 210 teams. He reflected on the event as a significant milestone in his coaching career and a testament to the growing rugby community in the UAE.

“Seeing so many kids playing rugby, especially in the heat, was incredible,” Persico recalled. “The community is growing, with more kids getting involved, especially girls, which is fantastic.”

Persico is optimistic about the future of rugby in the UAE. He sees a bright future with increasing participation and the establishment of more rugby clubs, providing greater opportunities for young players to learn and enjoy the sport.

“Every year, the community gets bigger, with more people moving to the UAE and more kids getting exposed to rugby,” Persico said.

“It’s a great opportunity for the sport to grow and for kids to develop both physically and mentally.”