As Simon Lewis steps down after ten years in charge, Peter Clapp takes the reins as the new Chairman of the Dubai Hurricanes rugby club.

Further changes within the club include, a new Director of Rugby and men’s Head Coach – Matthew Pewtner, who takes over from Mike Wernham as he steps down after 5 years at the club. Pewtner has led the Canes 7’s team in back-to-back titles at the Dubai Rugby Sevens Gulf Mens League competition as senior coach.

Looking Ahead

Briefly questioned about about the COVID-19 restrictions, Clapp says:

“We are working to return to play with the new guidelines. Everybody is thrilled that squad training has restarted. That’s been a big help, but we can’t wait to face the next phase, which allows us to train for full contact rugby and not just touch rugby which was recently introduced in Phase 2. We hope that’ll come by the end of September and get back into matches as soon as possible. I think not only the hurricanes, everybody involved in rugby across UAE can’t wait to get back.”

Hurricanes Womens Rugby

As for women’s rugby at the Hurricanes, Benji John comes onboard as new coach as they take steps to defend their 2020 Womens Sevens Series title. John talks with us about his new role and settling in to the club;

“I am really excited about the challenges ahead.  Coming back from COVID restrictions, I think the most important thing is the safe return to rugby and making sure that the players are kept up to date, ensuring their safety before we start any proper competitive matches. I’ve also been given a great opportunity as the new dnata travel sports director, so, I’ll be heading up all  of their programs which I am really excited about.”

John also added;

“The ladies have helped me settle in very well and from what I’ve seen so far, they’re a very talented group of individuals, who are keen to learn and improve and play better rugby  and build on their success from last year.”

So it looks like the Canes are in a good place to prepare them for another season of Gulf Rugby.