Night heat: Destination Kandy

The Arabian Gulf men’s sevens team haven’t had the luxury of cooling their heels this summer. With the Dubai Sevens in November preceding the big one, the IRB Rugby World Cup Sevens next March, coach Mike Lunjevich has ensured his squad have been busy in training for the past four months.

Now as they jet off to Sri Lanka for the 10th Singer International Sevens tournament which takes place over the weekend, captain Stephen Cooper is eager to see the side reap the benefits of all the hard labour.

CONFIDENCE BOOST

"We are going to Sri Lanka to win," he said. "I think it will give the team the confidence they need because it’s been a tough run for us."

He was referring to a disappointing Rome Sevens campaign earlier this year where the side lost all their matches. "The Arabian Gulf team have improved but not at the same rate as other Asian teams. So this is a good opportunity for us to show the [others] we can compete. Should we do well there, we will hopefully get the nod for the Hong Kong Sevens as well," said Cooper.

In addition to training three times a week, the players have also been following individual programmes. "This is all with one goal in mind – The Dubai Sevens and the World Cup. That’s the reason why everyone is working so hard and making a lot of sacrifices," said Cooper.

Lunjevich has chosen to reward the most dedicated summer trainers with a berth on the Kandy-bound team. Talented Abu Dhabi Harlequins back Jonny MacDonald is one of them and the 19-year-old is determined to prove his worth.

"I’m really looking forward to it," he said. "It’s a big step for me, a chance to move up the rugby ladder. And we’ve got a good team."

MacDonald’s debut will be special as the youngster was born in Abu Dhabi. "I was introduced to rugby in Abu Dhabi. So definitely, I feel a certain allegiance to the country. I do consider the Middle East to be home," he said.

Cooper expressed his delight at MacDonald’s inclusion. "He’s an absolute find for us. The other exciting newcomers are Dan Patching and Joshua Sherrin. I’m really looking forward to seeing those three," said the skipper.

Teams in Sri Lanka

• The 10 countries competing in the Singer International Sevens: Sri Lanka, South Korea, Chinese Taipei, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, India, Kazakhstan and the Arabian Gulf
• Arabian Gulf squad: Stephen Cooper (Capt, Dubai Exiles), Arron Brown (Dubai Hurricanes), Joshua Sherrin (Dubai Hurricanes), Chris Gregory (Dubai Hurricanes), Dave Clarke (Dubai Exiles), Gerry Considine (Dubai Hurricanes), Corey Oliver (Dubai Dragons), Jonny MacDonald (NBAD Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Stuart Gibb (Dubai Dragons), Dan Patching (Dubai Exiles)