Launched late 2011, UAE Rugby Federation’s Player Pathway Programme (PPP) is a recognised sports programme by the General Authority of Sport (GAS)
and the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC).
PPP aims to bring the sport, and sportsmanship of rugby to school-aged Emirati children across the Emirates, and at the same time encourage a more active,
healthy lifestyle. The programme also acts as an important tool to identify and encourage rugby talent to pursue the sport through UAE-based clubs youth
participation, and to look toward future country representation where the next step is with the Dubai Airports Shaheen Development Programme, reaching
the pinnacle of UAE Rugby through possible selection into the Emirates Airline UAE National (senior men’s, women’s or U20’s) representative teams.
Under the guidance of the Federation’s Regional Development Officers (RDO’s), PPP follows the principles of World Rugby’s Get into Rugby (GiR) programmes
where, as of 2015, over 6800 school aged boys and girls engage with the sport through a range of modified games such as Tag, Touch and Tackle rugby.
Programmes run throughout the school year culminate in the close of season PPP Schools Festivals.
Currently over 48 schools in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Dubai participate in the programme, with reach into the Northern Emirates planned for the 2015/2016 season.