Mike Wernham steps down as Dubai Hurricanes coach with parting shot for Gulf Rugby Management

Hurricanes denied a shot and grand finals in both the UAE Premiership and Division One after decision that no fixtures will be carried over

Dubai Hurricanes celebrate after beating Bahrain in the Gulf Men's final at the Dubai Rugby Sevens. All photos. Chris Whiteoak / The National unless stated

Saki Naisau of Dubai Hurricanes. Reem Mohammed / The National

Hamish Anderson of Hurricanes passes under pressure from Bahrain.

Saki Naisau of Hurricanes looks to offload.

Tim Richards of Hurricanes.

Tim Richards of Hurricanes evades a Bahrain tackler.

Dubai Hurricanes celebrate with the Gulf Men;s trophy,

Dubai Hurricanes prepare for the game against Emirates Firebirds Blue in the Gulf Women's final.

Alex Cook of Dubai Hurricanes runs through the Emirates Firebirds Blue idefence during the Gulf Women's final.

Fans watch the Gulf Women's Final.

Alex Cook of Hurricanes beats the defence.

Bridie Johnson of Hurricanes beats the defence.

Fans watch the Gulf Women's Final.

Bridie Johnson of Hurricanes runs through.

Bridie Johnson of Hurricanes evades a tackle.

Mike Wernham said he feels frustrated after stepping down as Dubai Hurricanes coach without having the chance to prepare his side for a UAE Premiership final.

He informed the club late last week that he intended to resign, after a broadly successful spell that included winning the Dubai Rugby Sevens twice in the past two seasons.

Matt Pewtner, the former Wales international sevens player, will step up from his role as Wernham’s assistant to take full charge next season.

Last week it had been confirmed that the season would finish with immediate effect.

Rugby had been suspended at the start of March as a response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Initially, it had been hoped that the final round of league fixtures, as well as the finals in each of the competitions, would be rescheduled.

The UAE Rugby Federation issued a directive saying the matches would be rearranged at some point next season.

However, that was ruled out shortly after, as Gulf Rugby Management announced no fixtures would be carried over.

Bahrain were confirmed as West Asia champions, Dubai Exiles as UAE champions, with Abu Dhabi Saracens and Barrelhouse winning UAE Divisions One and Two respectively.

It meant Hurricanes were denied a shot and grand finals in both the UAE Premiership and Division One.

“This final decision, you could look at it in any way, and it is the right thing for it not to be played now,” Wernham said.

“But for me, Gulf Rugby Management have made an easy decision, and wrapped up the league without any more games being played.

“As I have always tried to do, as a coach, the thought process is for the players first and foremost.

“The guys have been training since July. I know I have made selections in games towards the back end of the season – before it was finished – that was to save players, and not risk them, with a view to playing in a Premiership final.

“To take the easy way out for me leaves a bad taste, and the lads are gutted about it, no doubt about it.”

Dubai Hurricanes coach Mike Wernham. Leslie Pableo for The National

The disappointment was not, though, the reason for his decision to end his tenure as director of rugby at Hurricanes.

His stepped down in order to spend more time at home, with his wife Alexandra having recently given birth to their first child.

And, despite the irritation at the way this season ended, he is satisfied with the job he has done.

“I’ve always had the coaching mentality where I have wanted to leave something in a better position than when I picked it up,” Wernham said.

“I’m extremely proud and comfortable with thinking I have done that.

"I have had some massive ups in my time with the Hurricanes.

“Winning back-to-back Sevens is one of the biggest ones, but also going from my first training session with 16 players to our last training session before this season ended, having 46 players was great.

“The culture of the club has changed, and it was a privilege to be a part of that. I know the club will continue to flourish.”