ABU DHABI // Abu Dhabi Harlequins’ trophy ambitions have been handed a boost following the return of Sam Cook after a four-year absence.
The loose-forward left the UAE to return to his native UK at the end of 2012, after establishing himself as a star of the domestic game and a starter for the national team.
He departed the capital after four and a half years to continue his career in property development in London, which is also the reason he has returned to the UAE.
“Relocating wasn’t really planned but it felt like the right time and right opportunity, which is why I came back,” Cook said.
“I could probably number the guys who are still at Quins from when I was here last on the fingers of one hand.
“It does feel like the game has moved on, there is a much younger generation here now than there was a few years ago.
“The guys who I’m training with seem a lot younger, but I just wanted to get back out there and have a go, and see how it works out.”
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Upon his return, Cook will have found one familiar face is now heading up the club’s coaching staff. Mike McFarlane was a teammate last time he was here, before injury hastened his move from playing into coaching.
The coach knows from experience the club have recruited a player of pedigree.
“It shows what a transient place this is,” McFarlane said of Cook’s return to his former stomping ground.
“Sam is an old school Quin, who was part of the side when I first came over. He messaged to say he was coming back over here, and he has slotted straight back in.
“Moving back over can be a bit stressful, but he has stayed on top of it. He has a fantastic rugby brain and he has fallen straight back into our system, and has been picking up with each training session.”
Cook’s return should be a boost for the national team, too. Having played for the UAE in the past, he would immediately be eligible for selection.
He was part of a multitalented back row, alongside Renier Els and Alistair Thompson, when Harlequins really began to establish themselves as a premier force again in Gulf rugby after the turn of the decade.
If he does recapture that sort of form, he should provide strong competition for an already well stocked UAE back row.
Having returned with a young family, though, Cook is reticent about committing to national duty as yet.
“It is not really something I have thought of so far,” he said. “Just trying to get down to training at Quins every week is quite a lot of commitment at the moment.”
Harlequins will start their pursuit of silverware this weekend, when they make their debut in the West Asia Champions League.
They face Dubai Exiles, last season’s double winners, at The Sevens, Dubai, on Friday (kick off 7pm), before welcoming Sri Lankan champions Kandy to Zayed Sports City on Tuesday (kick off 8.30pm).
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