Emirates has presented two Emirati rugby youth players with the opportunity of a lifetime to lead out the teams competing in the bronze final on Nov. 1 in Tokyo Stadium during Rugby World Cup 2019. The initiative is part of the airline’s international flagbearer’s program, which provides opportunities for young fans to lead out teams to the pitch and participate in the pre-kick-off anthem ceremonies across key matches in the quarter-finals, semifinals, the bronze final and the final throughout 12 host cities in Japan.
Saoud Al-Kaabi and Marwa Abdel Aziz Al-Naqbi were unanimously selected by the UAE Rugby Federation board for their exemplary performance and commitment to the game of rugby. Al-Kaabi is currently the only Emirati of his age-group who plays in the “U16 Al-Ain Amblers,” an expatriate domestic-league team.
Al-Naqbi, 15, represents the second tier of UAE’s female Emirati players. She plays with UAE Rugby’s all-Emirati “Al Maha” U19 girls team.
Boutros Boutros, divisional senior vice president corporate communications, marketing & brand, said: “Emirates is committed to growing the game of rugby through grassroots support of local organizations, teams, events and players, ensuring the sport has a strong presence across all communities here in the UAE. We have been a longstanding partner through our support of the UAE Rugby Federation, and will continue to work with them to boost the ongoing development of the game.”