Premiership triumph for harlequins secures unique sporting ‘double’ for Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways has scored a phenomenal sporting ‘double’ with the airline’s football and rugby union partners both being crowned champions of their respective leagues in England. 

London-based rugby club, Harlequins, completed the perfect season for the Abu Dhabi airline as they beat Leicester Tigers 30-23 at Twickenham Stadium last weekend to win the Aviva Premiership. 

The title success for Quins followed the achievements of Manchester City Football Club which won the Barclays Premier League in dramatic style earlier in May when they fought back from being 2-1 down to beat Queens Park Rangers 3-2 in the dying minutes of the match. 

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “Etihad Airways congratulates Harlequins and Manchester City for their incredible success this season and winning the Premiership and Premier League titles. 

“Both clubs’ achievements were earned through the classic combination of dedication, team spirit, organisation and talent, and we are immensely proud to be their lead partner. 

“Great teams are defined by the trophies they win, and it is fantastic that both clubs built on cup wins in 2010/11 to win their domestic league this season.” 

Harlequins played Leicester Tigers under bright sunshine and cloudless skies in London and team management were quick to credit the squad trip to Abu Dhabi earlier in May, hosted by Etihad Airways, for helping them prepare mentally and physically for the demands of the final. 

During the visit to Abu Dhabi the Quins players and coaches trained, relaxed and bonded together. Three players, Danny Care, Will Skinner and Rory Clegg also took part in a special edition of the Etihad Airways Junior Rugby Schools for children in the UAE’s capital. 

Etihad Airways has been the shirt sponsor of Harlequins since 2007 with the current deal running until 2014. During this time the airline has frequently hosted players and coaches in Abu Dhabi, including the annual Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Junior Rugby Festival (EAJRF). 

Since its creation in 2006, approximately 2,000 school children have taken part in the EAJRF each year which combines rugby clinics hosted by Harlequins and a tournament that welcomes local and international teams. 

The rugby schools enable children to learn and develop the required skills to play rugby and underlined Etihad Airways’ commitment to grass roots sport in the UAE as well as maximising the benefits of the airline’s sponsorship partners, for its home market community. 

In addition to sponsoring Manchester City and Harlequins, Etihad Airways is also sponsor of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the GAA Hurling All Ireland Senior Championship, the Etihad Stadium in Melbourne and Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing.