DUBAI // The Christina Noble Children's Foundation veterans side are so good that even Christian Cullen cannot get a game!
Strictly speaking Cullen, at 32, is still three years too young to be eligible to play in the seniors tournament.
The former All Black, who was one of Test rugby's most prolific try-scorers before he retired in 2003, has been on holiday in Dubai since last week.
He called Christina Noble on the off chance of getting a run out in this weekend's Dubai Rugby Sevens, only to be rebuffed on the grounds of age.
He might have made the grade in the International Invitational tournament, but Christina Noble had to pull their side out of that event after a key sponsor withdrew due to the credit crisis.
However, their vets team remain on course to defend the title they won last year and with more than 900 caps and an all-star cast, Cullen's absence may not be too keenly felt.
Damian Smith, the former Australia World Cup winger, said: "This is my third year, and it is not getting any easier.
"You can do as much training as you want, but as soon as people start hitting you, you remember how hard it is."
The yellow shirts of Christina Noble have become a feature at the Dubai Rugby Sevens. Now in their ninth year of participating, they are the longest-serving charity side taking part.
"It is pretty humbling," added Smith, of his involvement with a charity that aims to help children in Vietnam and Mongolia.
"When we arrived, they put the video on showing the kids in Mongolia, and where they stay in the drains in winter.
"As much as we have great fun while we are here, it is great to be part of a charity like this."
pradley@thenational.ae
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Stuck in a job without a pay rise? Here's what to do
Chris Greaves, the managing director of Hays Gulf Region, says those without a pay rise for an extended period must start asking questions – both of themselves and their employer.
“First, are they happy with that or do they want more?” he says. “Job-seeking is a time-consuming, frustrating and long-winded affair so are they prepared to put themselves through that rigmarole? Before they consider that, they must ask their employer what is happening.”
Most employees bring up pay rise queries at their annual performance appraisal and find out what the company has in store for them from a career perspective.
Those with no formal appraisal system, Mr Greaves says, should ask HR or their line manager for an assessment.
“You want to find out how they value your contribution and where your job could go,” he says. “You’ve got to be brave enough to ask some questions and if you don’t like the answers then you have to develop a strategy or change jobs if you are prepared to go through the job-seeking process.”
For those that do reach the salary negotiation with their current employer, Mr Greaves says there is no point in asking for less than 5 per cent.
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WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
GRAN TURISMO
Director: Neill Blomkamp
Stars: David Harbour, Orlando Bloom, Archie Madekwe, Darren Barnet
Rating: 3/5
MATCH INFO
Day 2 at the Gabba
Australia 312-1
Warner 151 not out, Burns 97, Labuschagne 55 not out
Pakistan 240
Shafiq 76, Starc 4-52
How champions are made
Diet
7am - Protein shake with oats and fruits
10am - 5-6 egg whites
1pm - White rice or chapati (Indian bread) with chicken
4pm - Dry fruits
7.30pm - Pre workout meal – grilled fish or chicken with veggies and fruits
8.30pm to midnight workout
12.30am – Protein shake
Total intake: 4000-4500 calories
Saidu’s weight: 110 kg
Stats: Biceps 19 inches. Forearms 18 inches
