Saracens and Abu Dhabi Saracens RFC have agreed a formal partnership in which the north London club will provide coaching and community support to the UAE-based club.

Nigel Wray, Saracens chairman, said: “We are delighted Abu Dhabi Saracens have joined the newly formed global network of Saracens clubs, and we look forward to helping Abu Dhabi Saracens prosper both on the field, leading the way in Emirates rugby, and off the field, running programmes that support their community.”

Saracens will regularly send coaches and community staff to Abu Dhabi and also provide a pathway for talented UAE players into the professional game.

Abu Dhabi Saracens will wear the same strip as the Premiership club, and join the worldwide family of Saracens clubs.

Dave Jackson, Abu Dhabi Saracens CEO, said: “This is a proud achievement for our club and for our wonderful city of Abu Dhabi.

"It is an honour for Abu Dhabi Saracens to be included in the Saracens global network.

"Over the past two years, we have grown in stature as a family and community club with aspirations of playing excellent rugby while maintaining the community spirit.”

Steve Botha, Abu Dhabi Saracens Director of Rugby, said: “The formal association with Saracens is fantastic news for UAE rugby because it will create opportunities for young players.

"It’s also great news for us, as a club, because we will enjoy the benefits of sharing in the most innovative and fastest growing brand in world rugby.

"The regular visits by Saracens coaches and staff will inspire our youngsters to realise their full potential, both as people and players, and provide a strong boost to the evolving rugby culture in the Middle East.”