In a country better known for shimmering skyscrapers and endless deserts, the UAE national rugby team has been quietly scripting one of Asia’s most compelling sports stories. Less than two decades after its official formation, the team now stands on the edge of something extraordinary: turning a dream born in the sand into a genuine rugby force across the continent.

Building a Team from the Dust

The UAE Rugby Federation was born out of change. In 2009, the Arabian Gulf Rugby Football Union disbanded, leaving a handful of Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates, to chart their own sporting futures. Few gave the UAE much of a chance. After all, this was a nation with no deep rugby roots, no towering legacy to fall back on.

Yet by 2011, the UAE had become a full member of World Rugby — a seismic achievement few other emerging nations could claim so quickly. It wasn’t luck. It was pure ambition, driven by a blend of expat passion and Emirati vision. Over the next decade, the UAE stitched together a team that was increasingly competitive on the Asian rugby stage.

Achievements on the Field

Today, the UAE national team sits 50th in the World Rugby rankings — a figure that may seem modest until you understand the context. Unlike traditional rugby powerhouses, the UAE’s player pool is small and transient. Yet, despite these challenges, the team clinched second spot in the 2024 men’s Asia Rugby Championship and belief within the squad is higher than ever as they begin their road to the Rugby World cup qualification. With just three victories in this year’s Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship, they’ll be on their way to Australia in 2027!

The Blending of Cultures

What sets the UAE rugby team apart is the way they’ve fused cultures into a single jersey. The squad is a tapestry of nationalities — expats from Fiji, South Africa, Ireland and the UK blending with homegrown Emirati players — creating a uniquely global squad that mirrors the country’s broader identity.

Team captains over the years, often seasoned internationals, have embraced the challenge of moulding disparate styles into a single, coherent brand of rugby: tough, fast, and fiercely competitive. It’s a style that reflects the UAE’s broader ethos — ambitious, adaptable, and unapologetically forward-looking.

How the UAE Trains to Win

Gone are the days of casual training sessions on dusty pitches. The UAE national team now operates within a highly professional framework. Regular training camps, top-tier fitness programs, and access to some of the best facilities in the region — including world-class facilities at the Dubai Sevens Stadium — have redefined what it means to prepare for international competition.

Strength and conditioning coaches, many imported from professional rugby nations, run high-intensity regimes focused on building explosive athleticism. Tactical sessions are equally sophisticated, focusing on fast-phase play, structured defense, and creative counter-attacks — hallmarks of modern rugby.

Players Hoping to Make History

While the UAE may not yet boast household names, several players are quietly making their mark in the regional rugby scene. Standout performers in the Asia Rugby Championship and cross-Gulf tournaments have become the backbone of the national side.
The mix of seasoned veterans and rising local talent ensures a strong leadership core while nurturing the next generation. Emirati players such as [Insert Key Emirati Player Name] symbolise the federation’s dream of making rugby not just an expat game, but a truly national sport.

UAE Forwards Coach, Aaron Persico said:

“Knowing that we have got a unique opportunity to qualify for the World Cup gives us extra motivation to know that we could change the landscape of rugby in the UAE. The pressure isn’t on us. We are the underdogs, we’ve got nothing to lose.”

“We’re going to be playing Hong Kong on Friday, June the 12th at seven o’clock at the Rugby Sevens, and we’re hoping we get massive support from the UAE community.”

The Road to Regional Dominance

The UAE Rugby Federation isn’t shy about its ambitions of challenging for a spot at a Rugby World Cup qualifying tournament in Australia 2027 a real possibility this year.

Youth development programs are now in full swing, aiming to cultivate talent from the age of six. The hope is that future UAE squads will feature a heavier blend of local talent, solidifying rugby as a pillar of the country’s diverse sporting culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UAE national rugby team’s biggest achievement so far?

Beating South Korea and Malaysia to finish second in the Men’s 2024 Asia Rugby Championship and establishing a consistent presence in Asia’s competitive rugby scene are considered landmark moments.

Who can play for the UAE national rugby team?

Players must meet World Rugby residency criteria and hold a valid UAE residency visa to qualify for national team selection.

What’s next for the UAE national team?

The federation’s immediate goals include qualifying for the 2027 Rugby World Cup and increasing the number of Emirati-born players representing the team internationally.

A New Rugby Power Rising

The UAE’s rugby revolution is a front-row ticket to one of international rugby’s most intriguing transformations. In a land where ambition defines everything, the national rugby team has become a bold symbol of what’s possible when diverse talents unite under one dream.

From dust to dominance — UAE Rugby is just getting started.