The festival, which takes place on the rugby pitches at Al Ghazal Golf Club between 3 and 14 November, consists of two key events - the Etihad Harlequins Rugby Schools and the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Harlequins Junior Rugby Tournament.

Through its sponsorship of London-based rugby club, Harlequins, Etihad has secured the participation of some of the most iconic names in rugby at the festival including 2003 World Cup winner Jason Leonard who made more than 100 international appearances and current Harlequins and England international star, Jordan Turner-Hall.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways' chief commercial officer, said: "Etihad is proud to bring sports stars from our global sporting partners to Abu Dhabi to enhance the development of local sport. Jason Leonard and Jordan Turner-Hall will create great excitement among the young players who attend the Junior Rugby Festival."

In addition to the appearance of the players, four Harlequins coaches will take part in the Etihad Harlequins Rugby Schools from 3 to 6 November.

The inaugural Etihad Airways Junior Rugby Festival took place in 2008 and attracted more than 1,600 youngsters, both local and international, who took part in the rugby clinics and two-day junior tournament.

Mark Evans, Harlequins' chief executive, said: "I am delighted that Harlequins are able to support Etihad in developing rugby within the UAE. The Harlequins club staff and players are looking forward immensely to the Etihad Harlequins Rugby Schools.

"It is a great way to boost the number of children taking up rugby within the emirate of Abu Dhabi and also to scout for young players with the potential to play at the highest level."

Following the Rugby Schools, Etihad will jointly host with the Abu Dhabi Harlequins Rugby Club the Gulf region's largest junior rugby tournament at the same location on 13 and 14 November. More than 1,700 children will take part in the two day knockout tournament.

Mohammed Al Mahmood, Abu Dhabi Sports Council's General Secretary, said: "The Junior Rugby Festival is a fantastic sporting initiative for the emirate of Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi Sports Council wishes to express its support and thanks Etihad Airways, Harlequins and all the event partners for leading the way with the Middle East's youth rugby programme."

The Etihad Airways Junior Rugby Festival has been well supported by several companies in Abu Dhabi. Etihad would like to thank HSBC as presenting sponsors plus Abu Dhabi Sports Council, ADAC, Park Inn Hotel and Al Ain Water.


About Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates based in the UAE's capital, Abu Dhabi. Etihad offers flights to more than 50 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa, Asia and Australia. For further details: Etihad Airways Corporate Communications: Tel: + 971 (0) 2 511 1032 / 1036 or visit www.etihadmediacentre.com