Send-off with a flash to the past

The Singapore national rugby team (The Reds) will face the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Dubai on Wednesday in the Asian Five Nations (A5N) Division 1 competition.

As part of a formal send-off at the United World College Dover campus yesterday, the Reds received their jerseys from former national player, Ridzal Saat, currently the director of marketing at the Football Association of Singapore.

"I was very surprised and humbled with the honour of giving the jerseys out to the boys," said Ridzal.

"It was very special for me because I actually coached some of them in primary school.

"It's always special to represent your country and I wish the boys all the best."

Singapore, who were promoted from Division 2 last year after defeating Malaysia, prepared for the A5N tournament by winning the annual Super League competition, which featured local clubs, last month.

Peter McFeely of the Singapore Cricket Club will captain the side, assisted by Muhammad Zaki of Saints RFC.

Jay-Hykel Jailani, fresh from his stint with the Asian Pacific Dragons at last month's Hong Kong 10s, will be making his full 15-a-side debut.