Rugby might not be the first sport that comes to mind when you think of Dubai, but the city has quietly built a powerful reputation in the global rugby scene.
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and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.From international stars setting up camp to local clubs pulling off dramatic wins, rugby here is full of stories that deserve attention. Here are five key facts about rugby in Dubai.
1 Big Names Are Calling Dubai Home
Dubai’s rugby scene has been attracting some serious talent lately. Former Fiji captain Waisea Nayacalevu, fresh off an impressive World Cup run that saw victories over top-tier teams like England and Australia, has joined Dubai Knights Rugby Club as their new brand ambassador. His arrival adds international experience and star power to the club.
Meanwhile, former Wales scrum-half Rhys Webb has partnered with Ruck and will be based in Dubai to help scout and develop local talent. Webb’s involvement signals a growing recognition that Dubai could become a genuine rugby hub, not just a place to retire or coach — but to build something lasting.
2 UAE National Team on the Rise
The UAE national team has made huge strides in recent years. In July 2025, the squad finished runner-up in the Asia Rugby Championship, a milestone that sent them to the World Cup qualification play-offs for the first time ever. Though they eventually fell to Namibia in the Asia/Africa play-off, their progress marks a new era for UAE rugby.
This success is about more than results — it’s about belief. The team’s journey shows how far rugby has come in a country where the sport is still growing roots. Each international outing now feels like another step towards genuine global recognition.
3 The Hurricanes’ Unforgettable Title Win
The Dubai Hurricanes gave local fans something to shout about after winning the West Asia Super Rugby title in dramatic fashion. For much of the season, Bahrain looked unbeatable — until the Hurricanes pulled off one of the great regional upsets.
After trailing 11-0 and spending most of the match under pressure, the Hurricanes roared back thanks to late brilliance from Martin Mangwiro and Toby Oakeley. They clinched victory 24-21, having led for just minutes across their last two finals.
Head coach Mike Wernham summed it up best: “This team just doesn’t quit. They don’t know when they’re beaten.” It was a win built on grit, not reputation — and it reminded everyone why local rugby is so exciting to watch.
4 A Long and Proud History
Rugby has a deeper history in Dubai than many realise. The Dubai Sevens, founded back in 1970, is the Middle East’s longest-running sporting event. What started as a small gathering of expats has grown into a world-class tournament that now draws elite teams, social players, and thousands of fans every year.
The Sevens isn’t just a rugby event — it’s part of Dubai’s sporting identity. Families, fans, and former players all turn out to celebrate the game, making it one of the most anticipated weekends on the UAE sports calendar.
5 The UAE’s Full Membership Milestone
The UAE’s rugby journey became official in 2012, when the country was granted full membership with World Rugby, the sport’s global governing body. This recognition came after years of hard work by the UAE Rugby Federation, which had already earned regional membership in Asia a year earlier.
That upgrade wasn’t just a title change. It opened doors to greater funding, development programs, and international competition. Today, rugby in the UAE includes thriving men’s and women’s divisions, with both Emirati and expatriate players driving the game forward. It’s proof that rugby in the country isn’t just surviving — it’s growing.
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