It all started when I was at ATHS in Al Ain. I actually started playing in the school’s football team, but one day the rugby coach saw me run and persuaded me to try out for the rugby team. I really enjoyed it and began playing for the school team. After, I joined the Al Ain Amblars. Since then, I have been training and improving my rugby skills, including my technical rugby skills and teamwork.

I actually started as the youngest player in the UAE National Team at 17 years old. The clubs in the UAE do a good job of feeding their best players into the national team. My first experience was in Taipei, Taiwan when our team was just beginning. Then I went to Sri Lanka where we got first place in a tournament. I also got an individual trophy for the best player chosen by the coaches.

I can play three positions – full back, winger and scrum-half. As I’m very fast, I am well-suited to being a full back and winger. Being a scrum-half [one] needs to read the opponents and the game well. I think I can play these three positions well and I am flexible depending on what my team needs.

I think there are two. First, in the Arab Rugby Tournament in Egypt. I was representing the UAE national team against the other Arab teams, such as Tunisia and Syria, but we managed to get third place. Also, we went to the Asia Rugby Cup and we managed to win that tournament, beating Japan and China.

I would like to be a professional rugby player. I am hoping to play against the top teams in the world, such as Fiji and New Zealand. I have trained with the New Zealand 7s team, which was a really inspirational moment. In order to be successful, my coach told me I need to be patient and work well in a team. I’m hoping to use this advice to continue my rugby career at a professional level.

Rugby has become much more popular in the UAE in recent years. Nowadays, schools and colleges are promoting rugby clubs and tournaments. Also, many more people are watching it, so more people know about it. Anyone who is interested in rugby – both male and female – can come to one of the clubs, try it out and see if they like it. This sport is a great way to improve teamwork, communication, leadership skills and also to make friends. It is important to remember it’s open to everyone who is keen to give it a go!