UAE Rugby has held its annual Medical Committee meeting, with player welfare, medical cover and anti-doping education among the main items discussed.
The meeting, led by the UAE Rugby Federation’s Medical Committee, focused on the systems in place to protect players across the game. That included medical and health insurance coverage, with specific attention on injuries linked to rugby.
Hazem Hassan, acting CEO of UAE Rugby Federation, said MEDCOM had spent the past few years building a stronger medical structure for the sport. A key part of that work has been ensuring enough qualified Level 1 First Aid in Rugby personnel are available for member clubs across the UAE.
The committee also reviewed the pathway for medical educators, including qualification standards and international accreditation.
Anti-doping education was another key part of the meeting. The federation outlined plans for sessions with national and local team players, delivered with the National Anti-Doping Authority.
“Player welfare is always at the forefront of our mission.”
Hassan said further sessions are planned across the year, with the postponement of the Asian Rugby Clubs Championship in July creating more time for player education.
As more players move through club and national team programmes, the federation wants welfare support to keep pace with performance goals.
The committee also discussed licensing and insurance for those involved in the sport. In a contact sport such as rugby, proper licensing helps make sure medical staff, coaches and players work within clear standards.
The federation’s welfare work is also set to reach beyond medical staff. UAE Rugby wants coaches, match officials, strength and conditioning coaches and sports administrators to be part of the same structure.
