Frank Hadden signs up Delport and Ralph for Dubai Sevens

Published on 19/10/2012 00:00

FORMER Scotland coach Frank Hadden is preparing to welcome two southern hemisphere heavyweights to the team he now manages – Xodus Steelers – in Dubai next month.

South Africa’s Thinus Delport and All Black Caleb Ralph will be in the Steelers’ 15-man squad that will compete in the international vets tournament at this year’s Dubai Rugby Sevens.

Delport has 18 caps for the Springboks and has played in English rugby for Gloucester and Worcester. The pacy winger, who can also play at full-back, represented Worcester more than 100 times, scoring 112 points for the Premiership club. Ralph has 15 All Blacks caps and represented the New Zealand national sevens team. He is the second top try scorer of all time in Super Rugby with 58 tries, just one behind Doug Howlett.”

The ex-Auckland and Canterbury centre had spells with the Chiefs and Blues before going on to to play 126 times for the Crusaders. The versatile back can play at centre or on the wing and has scored more than 330 points during an illustrious career.

Hadden said: “These two have achieved so much and have played at the very highest level. It is a major coup for us to have them next month.”

The Xodus Steelers will compete at the Dubai Rugby Sevens from 29 November until 1 December and their full squad will be announced over the next few weeks. Delport said: “I’ve heard so much about the Steelers and I’m really looking forward to competing in Dubai. We have a strong squad with a lot of international experience and that will help us to gel quickly.”

Ralph added: “This is a fantastic opportunity to play in a tournament which is highly regarded throughout the world. My former team-mate, Brad Fleming, played for the Steelers in Dubai and from what I’ve heard we’ll have to work extremely hard to have a successful week there.”