Abu Dhabi Harlequins back with a bang as rugby returns - in pictures

Jebel Ali Dragons beaten 42-32 at Zayed Sports City

Dave Funston holds on tight as he's tackled. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

The Abu Dhabi Harlequins play the Jebel Ali Dragons in the first match of the new United Arab Emirates Premiership season at Zayed Sports City. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National

Manager Rory Green instructs from the sidelines. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National

Abu Dhabi Harlequins celebrate the win over the Jebel Ali Dragons. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National

The action on the pitch was fast-paced. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National

The Abu Dhabi Harlequins won 42-32. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National

The game was fraught at times. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National

The Abu Dhabi Harlequins just had the edge over the Jebel Ali Dragons. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National

Abu Dhabi Harlequins score the winning try. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National

Abu Dhabi Harlequins players reflect on their win. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National

After losing an entire season of rugby to the pandemic, Abu Dhabi Harlequins slipped straight back into the old routine as they beat Jebel Ali Dragons 42-32 on Friday.

While Dragons at least had some rugby last season by way of a modified 10-a-side format played between the Dubai clubs, Harlequins were deprived any game time at all.

The lack of practice did not show, though, as they returned to UAE Premiership action with a seven tries to four win over their perennial rivals at Zayed Sports City.

Chris McKee crossed twice, while James Wilson, Gary Andrews, Esekia Dranibota, Siri Laladidi and James McCarthy also scored tries.

Also on the opening day of the new season, Dubai Exiles performed as if they had never been away. The defending champions scored 15 tries in beating Dubai Tigers 91-0 at The Sevens.