Fullbrook has come of age

May 11. 2009

Fullbrook has come of age

Fullbrook has come of age Henry Fullbrook played an important role in his side's chase for honours this year. Delores Johnson / The National
ABU DHABI // Henry Fullbrook may have emerged as the star of Abu Dhabi Harlequins’ title-winning side, but he still has to watch his ps and qs on the field as he plays alongside three of his teachers.

The 17-year-old outside-centre, who attends The British School Al Khubairat, started the season hoping to play the odd game for the Quins’ second XV.

He finished it by scoring two tries in the 23-23 draw with Dubai Hurricanes, which proved decisive in bringing the Gulf Premiership title to the capital for the first time since 2002.

That meant an evening of celebrations with his schoolmasters-cum-teammates, Alistair Thompson, Jo Czerpak and Aubrey Roberts.

However jovial Friday night’s festivities were, he can still expect them to give him a hard time if he is late with his homework.

“What goes on the pitch stays on the pitch,” said Fullbrook, who has graduated from the junior ranks at Abu Dhabi since his family moved here nine years ago.

“I did feel overawed at the beginning, but now I am just loving it. This is my first season in the first team, and it has been great.”

Fullbrook’s outstanding display in the midfield against the out-going champions Hurricanes, who are well stocked with Arabian Gulf international players, belied his years. He added: “You are always nervous before a game. It gets better the more you play, but this was a big, big game and I was nervous.”
Thompson, the captain who juggles a rugby career – which has included playing Scottish Premiership rugby in the past – with teaching sciences, said: “He is still just a schoolboy, but on the field he plays like a man.

“He has been one of our stand-out players [in the final day win over Hurricanes]. He is young and plays with no fear.

“If I had skill like that when I was 17, I would have welcomed it. The guy has a future, he just has to be coached well. He has the skills, he just has to get himself into a good environment.”

Richard Harris, the Quins chairman, added: “For a player who has only played rugby in Abu Dhabi and is a product of our system, to put in such a commanding performance is great to see.

“It really vindicates the building blocks we put in place for our junior system five years ago, and shows that it is thriving.”

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