There’ll be a new player on the pitch wearing the black shirt of Dubai Exiles RFC this coming 2024-25 rugby season.
UAE international centre, Liam Caldwell, has completed his move from the Dubai Tigers to the oldest rugby club in the UAE and the Gulf region.
Liam, who has worked for Emirates Airline since 2010, has played rugby in the UAE since a child. In 2006, he played Number 8 in the English College Dubai side that travelled to the ‘North American Magnificent 7s’ tournament in Ontario, Canada.
In that tournament the Dubai team defeated teams from Canada, the US, the UK, and France, on their way to a 22 – 0 win in the tournament final over local side Markham RFC.
In 2018, after attending Emirates Aviation University, and then Coventry University in England, where he gained a Bachelor of Applied Science in Air Transportation Management, Liam joined the Dubai Tigers.
That season he captained the Tigers to the UAE Conference title, beating Sharjah Wanderers by 25 points to 20 in extra time at Dubai Sports City.
The next season Liam bagged a hat-trick of tries and another Conference title with the Tigers, this time beating Al Ain Amblers in a hard-fought contest by 37 points to 21 at The Sevens Stadium.
In the recent Asia Rugby Championship, he proved himself to be a direct, and hard-hitting centre for the UAE national side, contributing hugely in the wins over the Republic of Korea and Malaysia.
As well as playing Premiership rugby for the Exiles this season, Liam will also be extending his knowledge and experience to the Dubai Exiles’ Under 14s – joining Head Coach, James Barnard‘s, incredibly successful coaching team for the 2024-25 Mini & Youth rugby season.
Welcome to the Dubai Exiles Liam!
