Senior Men’s Rugby – West Asia Premiership & UAE Premiership 2019/20
Kiwi centre, Paul ‘Toops’ Tupai, enjoying himself in the Exiles 79 – 11 win over the Dubai Knights Eagles. 22nd November 2019.
Despite the obvious problems associated with the Covid-19 outbreak and its ultimate impact on the 2019/20 season, the Dubai Exiles have enjoyed their most successful season on record. Not only a successful season for senior rugby but Mini & Youth had their best season…ever!
The senior men won the title of UAE Premiership Champions.
It was of course disappointing that both the West Asia Premiership Final and then the UAE Premiership Final couldn’t be played. The Exiles had qualified for both, a tough away trip to holders Bahrain beckoned, both West Asia finalists with one win each in their head to heads this season.
In the UAE Premiership Final the Exiles were to be at home against neighbours the Dubai Hurricanes. But as the Exiles were in an unassailable position at the top of the league and had already handed runners-up, Dubai Hurricanes, home and away defeats, including a 37 – 9 hammering in January, it made sense to draw a line under the season and look forward to 2020/21.
Bahrain took the West Asis Premiership title, Dubai Exiles finished as West Asia Runners-up, just one point behind Bahrain. In the UAE Premiership, the Dubai Exiles were crowned UAE Premiership Champions 2019/20..
Congratulations to the Dubai Exiles Senior Men’s side:
- UAE Premiership Champions 2019/20
- West Asia Premiership Runners-up 2019/20.
South African wing, Michael Stubbs, leaving behind some hapless Dubai Hurricanes defenders.
Englishman and International Sky-Diving Champion, Jimmy Crossley. He’s a pretty good rugby player too.
“We have an awful lot to be proud of this season, the way the boys have worked to put ourselves in the position where we were unbeaten by the winter break was exceptional. The quality of the rugby that we played at some points was excellent too. Ultimately we were, of course disappointed, to miss out on the finals due to unforeseen circumstances, but to finish as Champions of the UAE Premiership and Runners-Up in the West Asia Premiership is brilliant.
I am immensely proud of our entire squad, it has been fantastic to see some of the schoolboys take a larger role in our squad this year, some of them breaking through to the first team. We have some incredibly exciting talents at the Exiles, which can be seen by our fantastic success in the mini and youth tournaments and leagues this year too! All in all a great time to be an Exile. I’d like to thank our coaches; Jacques, Emil and Don. Our physio, Chris Page and Jonathan Ebbitt, our general manager. For all the hard work and countless hours working behind the scenes to make it all happen.”
Lukas Waddington – Club Captain
Some of the tries from the Exiles 2019/20 Senior Season.
Mini & Youth Rugby 2019/20
The Exiles Mini & Youth sides have seen an unprecedented level of success, hot on the heels of the HSBC Mini & Youth Festival performances, many Exiles junior sides have finished on top of their own domestic leagues.
Now, we know that Dubai Exiles RFC has an unfounded, historic reputation for ‘winning being the only thing that matters’, but actually, nothing could be further from the truth. What does matter to this club is that:
- Young rugby players, both boys and girls, receive technically accurate, age appropriate, coaching from qualified coaches
- They receive every opportunity to progress within the club and beyond the club
- They are the very best they can be in what is an extremely tough, physical and technically demanding sport
- They enjoy themselves, win or lose!
“I am proud to say that the brilliant, running rugby that we played this year was proof of the hard work that everyone has put in on the training field and beyond.”
Jacques Benade – Director of Rugby
Youth Rugby 2019/20
Under 19 Girls
Dubai Exiles Under 19 Girls rugby side, Emirates Dubai Sevens Champions – again.
Our Under 19 Girls rugby side has now won the Emirates Dubai Sevens on 5 out of the last 6 occasions, including the most recent 50th Anniversary tournament in December 2019. They’ve also finished at the top of their league table for the 2019/20 season.
Congratulations to the Dubai Exiles Under 19 Girls side:
- Emirates Dubai Sevens Champions 2019 (50th Anniversary Tournament)
- UAE A League Champions 2019/20
- BSAK Tournament Winners 2019/20
- Abu Dhabi French Tournament Winners 2019/20
- HSBC Rugby Festival Cup Runners-up 2020.
Dubai Exiles Under 19 Girls, Runners-up at the HSBC Rugby Festival 2020.
Bryan Habana, a tremendous ambassador for rugby, with the Under 19 Girls Squad.
Under 19
Dubai Exiles Under 19s receiving their HSBC trophy from Bryan Habana.
Under 19 side gets a pre-match pep talk from Bryan Habana.
Under 19 player enjoying some space at the HSBC Rugby Festival.
Our Under 19 side has had a wonderful season, not only did they win the Cup Final at the HSBC Mini & Youth Festival in January, but they’ve also finished at the top of the 2019/20 Under 19 A League.
It’s no accident. The Under 19 side train with the senior side, 9 of the team have received international honours by representing their adopted country, the UAE, in the Under 19 Asia Rugby Championship in Malaysia this season.
Several members of our Under 19 rugby squad have played senior rugby in the West Asia and UAE Premiership this season. Jacques Holmes, Joao Chaves, have had outings in the senior front row and acquitted themselves superbly. Jarrod Eglen has been a regular feature in the senior back row, Justin Brits, Seb Snaas and Stewart Duncan have had fun in the back line and also played in the toughest of places to play in Gulf rugby, Bahrain in the West Asia Premiership.
Congratulations to the Dubai Exiles Under 19 side:
- UAE A League Champions 2019/20
- HSBC Rugby Festival Cup Winners 2020
- Abu Dhabi Harlequins Tournament Winners 2019/20.
Under 16
Dubai Exiles Under 16s UAE Champions & HSBC Cup Winners.
Dubai Exiles Under 16s defeating the Dubai Hurricanes in the curtain raiser to the senior UAE Premiership match.
Our Under 16 side has had an amazing season with some incredible results along the way (click for the results). Undefeated and finishing at the top of their league table; the Under 16 squad also locked out the HSBC Rugby Festival Cup Final making it an all Exiles affair.
Congratulations to the Dubai Exiles Under 16 side:
- UAE A League Champions 2019/20
- HSBC Rugby Festival Cup Winners 2020
- Abu Dhabi Harlequins Tournament Winners 2019/20.
Under 15 Girls ‘Quick Rip’
Dubai Exiles Under 15 Girls ‘Quick Rip’ rugby.
Dubai Exiles Under 15 Girls player looking for a supporting runner.
Off to the races.
Our Under 15 Girls ‘Quick Rip’ rugby side has progressed all this season and finished third in the UAE League. Quick Rip is a game for all rugby players. While the rules are simple and the game easy to learn, Quick Rip promotes excellent ball handling and running skills, and gives all players a chance to participate in the sport.
Congratulations to the Dubai Exiles Under 15 Girls side:
- Finishing third in the UAE A League 2019/20
- Semi-Finalists at the Abu Dhabi Tournament 2019/20.
Scrum time.
Try time.
Under 14
Dubai Exiles Under 14s HSBC Rugby Festival Plate Winners.
Try time for the Exiles under 14s at the HSBC Rugby Festival 2020.
Under 14 player on his way to the try line against Abu Dhabi Harlequins.
Our Under 14 side both won the plate competitions at the HSBC Mini & Youth Rugby Festival, the Under 14s just narrowly missing out on the Cup Competition on points difference.
Congratulations to the Dubai Exiles Under 14 side:
- HSBC Rugby Festival Plate Winners 2020
- Abu Dhabi Tournament Runners-up 2019/20
Under 13
Dubai Exiles Under 13s HSBC Rugby Festival Plate Winners.
Heading to the try line against Dubai Knights Eagles.
Creating space against the Dubai Tigers.
Almost getting through.
Our Under 13 side won the plate competitions at the HSBC Mini & Youth Rugby Festival, the Under 13 side finished their season with a wonderful win over visiting Abu Dhabi Harlequins.
Congratulations to the Dubai Exiles Under 13 side:
- HSBC Rugby Festival Plate Winners 2020.
“Dear Parents, Players, Coaches, Managers and Medics,
What a great opportunity to say thank you for everything you have done for the club as we celebrate a fantastic 2019/20 season. It is such a shame that we cannot celebrate as a club together, but I am sure that if the lockdown comes to a halt we will have the opportunity to better say thank you to you all.
Starting with the Mini and Youth, I am proud to say that the brilliant, running rugby that we played this year was proof of the hard work that everyone has put in on the training field and beyond. It’s a tremendous club effort and I want to say thank you to all. Parents and Coaches, you should be incredibly proud of your kids and players. Kids, you should be very thankful to your Parents for traveling up to the 7s to ensure that you have the opportunity to play at the best family club in the UAE. Speak soon, and I can’t wait to see you all at a time when we can celebrate such an amazing season.
Senior players, please keep up the hard work. Thank you for your commitment and your attitude towards the club, especially demonstrated through your support of the Mini and Youth and by being be true ambassadors for the Exiles. Congratulations on your success this year, I was really looking forward to another nail-biting final versus Bahrain – what could have happened?
Lastly, please take care and stay safe in these difficult times, and know that you have the support of your club if needed.
Thank you.”
Jacques Benade – Director of Rugby
Mini & Midi Rugby 2019/20
Under 12 Girls ‘Quick Rip’
Merry ‘Dubai’ Christmas from the Dubai Exiles Under 12 Girls.
Dubai Exiles Under 12 Girls after winning the Abu Dhabi Tournament.
IT’s true – rugby can be a barrel of laughs too!
Our Under 12 Girls rugby side has also finished at the top of their league. A fantastic season which got off to a great start when they departed the Abu Dhabi Tournament as Cup Final winners last November.
Congratulations to the Dubai Exiles Under 12 Girls side:
- UAE A League Champions 2019/20
- Abu Dhabi Tournament Cup Winners.
Dubai Exiles Under 12 Girls try time against the Dubai Hurricanes in Al Ain..
Airborn at the Sevens, home of the Dubai Exiles.
Under 12
Dubai Exiles Under 12s HSBC Rugby Festival Cup Winners and UAE Champions.
Three Exiles Musketeers.
Exiles Under 12s on pitch with the seniors after beating the Hurricanes 37 – 9.
Our Under 12 side is another team that’s enjoyed a successful season both on and off the rugby pitch. Summiting the Under 12 domestic league table and winning the HSBC Rugby Festival Cup competition along the way. They also enjoyed the experience of a tour match against Trinity School from London, UK, this year.
Congratulations to the Dubai Exiles Under 12 side:
- UAE A League Champions 2019/20
- HSBC Rugby Festival Cup Winners 2020
- Abu Dhabi Harlequins Tournament Winners 2019/20.
“Howzit Exiles
Firstly it’s wonderful to be back at our beloved Exiles after a short break when our boy left.
Congratulations to each and everyone for a wonderful season, for those who won their leagues and what we don’t really see is those who have improved dramatically and came close or would have been in some sort of playoffs, very well done and I know for sure watch this space.
The effort in creating a family club culture is clear for everyone to see and this is only going to get stronger and stronger as we get more things in place creating a player pathway for all our girls and boys from u5 and, eventually, to Premiership rugby.
Look forward to seeing you all soon for pre-season training, and remember, We are Exiles’ best ambassadors and recruitment officers, so spread the good news.
Thank you all and please be safe.”
Don Muir – Director of Mini & Youth Rugby
Under 11
Dubai Exiles Under 11s Runners-up in the HSBC Rugby Festival and UAE League.
Our Under 11s have had a fantastic 2019/20 season. They battled their way to the runners-up spot in the A League and also made it to the Cup Final of the HSBC Mini & Youth Rugby Festival.
Congratulations to the Dubai Exiles Under 11 side:
- UAE A League Runners-up 2019/20
- HSBC Rugby Festival Cup Runners-up 2020
- Abu Dhabi Tournament Plate Winners 2019/20.
Under 10
Dubai Exiles Under 10s at the 2020 HSBC Mini & Youth Rugby Festival.
The Under 10 squad attended Abu Dhabi and HSBC Dubai tournaments and played some very good rugby, with plenty of spirit, grit, determination and resilience. The squad travelled to Muscat Rugby Club for the Muscat Tournament and defended their title from last year and finished the season on high.
Congratulations to the Dubai Exiles Under 10s:
- Muscat Tournament Winners.
Under 9
Dubai Exiles Under 9s, Cup Winners of the HSBC Rugby Festival 2020.
Our Under 9 side’s players have really enjoyed themselves this season, coming away with silverware from HSBC Mini & Youth Rugby Festival, as winners of the Cup Competition.
Congratulations to the Dubai Exiles Under 9 side:
- HSBC Rugby Festival Cup Winners 2020.
Under 8
Dubai Exiles Under 8s, Runners-up at the Oman Rugby Tournament.
It was the move up to ‘Rip Rugby’ for our Under 8s this season. The squad performed really well at all of this season’s tournaments and festivals. In Abu Dhabi they reached the semi-finals, at the HSBC Festival they again reached the semi-final, and in Oman they reached the final only to narrowly miss out on the cup winner’s trophy. The squad displayed all the key skills of Rip Rugby with some great running, ripping and try scoring. It was a great season, and lovely to welcome some newcomers to the side and also some returning Exiles who, together with the core squad, all had great fun playing ‘Rip Rugby’, upheld the values of rugby, and represented the Dubai Exiles with passion.
Congratulations to the Dubai Exiles Under 8 side on a wonderful and fun season.
Quick Rip is a form of rugby for both girls and boys to have fun.
Charge!
Under 7
Dubai Exiles Under 7s, Cup Winners of the HSBC Rugby Festival 2020.
Rugby for both girls and boys.
Happy.
Our Under 7 side has also had a fantastic time this season, at this year’s HSBC Mini & Youth Rugby Festival, like their older counterparts, they came away with the big prize, Cup Winners.
Congratulations to the Dubai Exiles Under 7 side:
- HSBC Rugby Festival Cup Winners 2020.
Dubai Exiles Under 7s receiving their well earned trophy.
Under 5 & Under 6
Lots of smiles.
Heading to the corner flag.
For our youngest groups U5, U6 and U7, we can look back upon a fun and successful season, even though it was unfortunately cut a bit short without having the last tournaments. Nevertheless, we all feel (kids, parents and coaches) that it was a great rugby journey and we can’t wait to have the next season start). During the season the main focus has been above all on having fun, creating team spirit and introducing the kids to the great culture of rugby. Over the season the respective teams really came together, and lots of camaraderie was demonstrated during the trainings, but above all during the tournaments and friendly matches we played against other clubs.
All this was practiced every Friday morning at The Sevens under the guidance of our new coaches, Kiwis and Primary School teachers, Naomi and Paul. Their ‘have fun’ style was brought into practice at tournaments in Abu Dhabi, the HSBC Rugby Festival and friendlies against among others the Barrelhouse club. The fact that it came together is probably best demonstrated by the results: U7 semi-final in Abu Dhabi and winning the HSBC Rugby Festival, and the U6 team winning their pool at the same festival, and performing so well in all of their friendlies.
Exiles Mini Rugby – It’s social and it’s fun!
There was a lot of smiles after this touchdown!
“Hello everyone,
I hope you are are all keeping well and safe in these troubled times! It is indeed sad that we were not able to finish the season off and celebrate all the achievements! I cannot be more proud of the way the club has come together this season, it feels like a family club again, and for that i thank you all.
It is so encouraging to see players, parents and coaches coming to the clubhouse, getting involved and meeting other members. There is a lot of energy amongst the committee, the coaches and the managers. A successful season is about realising that all the people at Dubai Exiles want to be here and want to share in the success of the club.
Fantastic results in all age groups, not only to those teams that won the cups, but to those who were runners up and to those who improved vastly on last season. We have put measures in place, to ensure our coaches have further support and training to make sure we have the best rugby experience available as a club in the UAE.
Last but by no means least, i would like to thank Jaques, our Director of Rugby for his passion for the club, and expertise. Jon Ebbitt our General Manager, who keeps the wheels turning, and is always willing to go the extra mile. And to Don Muir, who has come back to the club, and has taken over as Director of Mini and Youth, and inspired the player pathway programme. Thank you to Emil for his assistance with this, and to all the coaches and managers who give up their time and make such a difference.
Let’s all come back together in the coming months before next season and continue on our path at Dubai Exiles.”
Rob Riding – Chairman
There’s absolutely no doubt that we’re incredibly proud of all the players, of all age groups, of the coaches, the team managers, the first aiders, the volunteers and all of the mums and dads that have made it such a special season and make the club such a fun and rewarding place to be. The Dubai Exiles is is made up of players and members from many different countries. The men, women, girls and boys who make the club such a wonderful environment come from over 40 different nations.
