|
Dubai: International Rugby Board tournament operations manager Beth Coalter took to the skies over Dubai to check on building work at the new Emirates airline rugby complex off the Al Ain Road.
And although the facility currently resembles "a patch of grass in the desert", she is confident that building work will be complete in time for the emirate to host the traditional opening leg of the IRB World Sevens Series at the end of November and then the Rugby World Cup Sevens tournament in March 2009.
Two grass pitches have already been laid at what will become the new focal point for rugby in the region following the closure of the Dubai Exiles' home while construction work on permanent stands and facilities is now also under way.
Aerial view
Coalter, who enjoyed a helicopter ride over the centre, said: "It was very informative and quite exciting.
"I was slightly apprehensive because it is such a massive undertaking. If you think about what has to be done there ... the road access, drainage, power cabling, floodlights ... anywhere else you would doubt very much whether it could all be ready in time.
"In some countries it can take six months just to get floodlights up and operating. But if you've been in Dubai or this part of the world then you understand that it can happen and I'm taking back with me a certain amount of confidence.
"I think the world series tournament in November will be a great rehearsal and a great opportunity for the world cup."
|
