DUBAI // The Arabian Gulf selectors look set to quiz Craig Jones, the new Dubai Exiles find, on his links to the region after his latest powerful display brought about the end of Abu Dhabi Harlequins' 100 per cent record. The young tight-head prop earned glowing reviews for his display against the defending Arabian Gulf Premiership champions on Friday, and his work at the scrum set the platform for a 22-15 win for the Exiles.
So impressive has Jones's form been he has been keeping the most capped player in Gulf history, Mark Gathercole, on the Exiles replacements bench. Jones has played only five games for his new club after moving here from the UK. Yet Gulf bosses are likely to investigate whether he qualifies to represent the regional side on the basis of the three-year residency qualification, as his parents are residents of the UAE.
Wayne Marsters, the Exiles coach and former Abu Dhabi captain, said: "Craig's parents have been out here working and he has been out at different times but has never played any rugby. "He has been a really good asset for us on and off the field. He is technically very good and really laid the platform for us in the front-row alongside Mike Riley." The defeat put a dent in the Quins' Premiership title charge. The away side's chances were hampered by injuries, including a horrific blow to Sean McMahon, who dislocated his knee.
McMahon was only deputising at No 8 for the club's player-coach and captain, Alistair Thompson, who is still struggling with a neck problem. The fly-half, Murray Strang, also limped off with injury before half-time. To compound Abu Dhabi's problems, their title rivals, Bahrain, forged into a six-point lead at the top after they thrashed Muscat 83-12 in Oman. pradley@thenational.ae
