Former Ulster Rugby second row and Ireland U20 international, John Donnan, will head up the coaching team of the Dubai Exiles Under 16s for the upcoming 2024-25 rugby season.
John will bring a wealth of experience and impart knowledge, and know-how, to the Exiles‘ Under 16s throughout the 2024-25 rugby season.
The former ‘All-Ireland Division 1A’ Ballynahinch RFC captain and Ulster second row, represented Ireland in the 2013 Under 20 Rugby World Cup in France.
John started for Mike Ruddock’s Ireland side in an opening 19 – 15 win over the Wallabies in Pool B of the 2013 tournament. That opening game was followed by a 51 – 3 win over Fiji Rugby. It was only a narrow 31 – 26 loss to New Zealand, in the Stade de la Rabine, that stopped Ireland advancing to a semi-final place against England.
John joined Dubai Exiles RFC at the start of the 2022-23 UAE rugby season and is already able to add a UAE Premiership title to his many accolades.
In recent years the Exiles Under 16s have been an incredibly successful age-group, winning the UAE ‘A’ League title in 2022-23 under the direction of, now, Exiles‘ Director or Rugby, DuRandt Gerber, and last season under the guidance of Head Coach, Brad Tuff.
Brad did an incredible job last season and we wish him the very, very best, as he returns to Hong Kong after two seasons with the Exiles here in Dubai.
We can’t wait to seeing John and the Exiles’ Under 16s on the pitches at The Sevens Stadium throughout the 2024-25 season.
We’re sure you’re all going to have a great 2024-25!
