Samoan Perelini unveiled as Shaheen coach

Dual-code World Cup legend to be in charge of UAE sevens development squad

Former Samoan back-row Apollo Perelini was unveiled as the new coach of the UAE Rugby Federation’s (UAE RF) All-Emirati ‘Shaheen’ sevens development squad on yesterday.

The 45-year-old New Zealand-born star was the first to represent Samoa at both the Rugby Union and Rugby League World Cups in 1991 and 1995, respectively.

He played Union rugby for club side North Harbour in his hometown of Auckland before turning to League with English sides St. Helens and Sale Sharks.

Perelini will take charge of the Dubai Airports sponsored sevens development squad with immediate effect, choosing the best players from the HSBC player pathway scheme, and honing them ahead of Emirates Airline national sevens squad inclusion.

Exciting times ahead

“The UAE RF is proud to announce the appointment of Apollo Perelini as the UAE RF Shaheen manager, exciting times ahead,” read a UAE RF tweet on Monday.

The UAE has made great strides to nationalise the sport at sevens level since the decision was made to re-include rugby at the Olympic Games after a 85-year hiatus back in 2009. As only passport-holding players can represent their country at Olympic level, the UAE RF has been instrumental in developing the game among locals, and Perelini’s appointment is thought to be the next phase of professionalising that process.