Abu Dhabi becomes first international base for New Zealand Rugby's Small Blacks

New Zealand Rugby’s renowned Small Blacks brand is to set up base at Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub.

Small Blacks Abu Dhabi becomes NZR’s first officially licensed grassroots development programme outside of New Zealand, with girls and boys between three to 16 years now able to become Small Blacks Abu Dhabi members.

They kick off their programme with an open day on September 2 with training to begin three days later.

“This is an exciting partnership for New Zealand Rugby to broaden the reach of the Small Blacks brand and create new relationships for our development programmes,” NZR commercial CEO Richard Thomas said.

“We have been impressed by the care and passion Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub has shown for growing rugby in the UAE and we believe Small Blacks can help grow the game in emerging markets and foster some lasting relationships.”

Small Blacks Abu Dhabi builds on a partnership which has seen the Black Ferns and All Blacks sevens teams using the Hub’s training facilities in the lead-up to major international competitions since 2017.

During that time New Zealand players and coaches have conducted community coaching sessions with players from all over the UAE.

“We couldn’t be prouder that New Zealand Rugby has entrusted us with the Small Blacks’ first international out-post and look forward to building on our existing relationship to establish a longer-term partnership between us,” Matt Boucher, CEO of Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub, said.

“The All Blacks are the standard bearers for international rugby and one of the most recognisable brands in world sport.

“We share their inherent values of integrity, teamwork, and community enhancement. This historic partnership demonstrates the Hub’s deep commitment to