Mini Rugby (U5, U6, U7 & U8) and Midi Rugby (U9, U10, U11 & U12)
Girls & Boys
“The oldest and most established Mini & Youth rugby section in the Middle East”. This is the entry level to what will hopefully become a long and fruitful career in Rugby both inside and outside of Dubai Exiles RFC.
The emphasis throughout is for the boys and girls to enjoy their rugby while at the same time learning the basic skills and gaining an aptitude for the game.
Our track record in developing young rugby players is unsurpassed in the UAE; we have seen several Exiles M&Y alumni go on to gain representative honours including in England, Wales, Scotland and the UAE itself (20 Exiles players gained national recognition at UAE U20 and U18 level in 2023, more than any other UAE Club). A number of our alumni have gone on to gain professional rugby contracts around the world including recently with Wasps and Northampton Saints in England. Our U19 Girls have been regular winners in their competition within the Dubai 7s too, something we are very proud of.
U5, U6 and U7 Rugby – Girls & Boys
Our under 5 to under 7 age groups are coached in such a way that they develop a love of the game of rugby with emphasis on developing evasive running skills with the rugby ball in two hands and learning to make a standing pass to a receiver.
Dubai Exiles Under 8 Rugby team at the 2024 HSBC Rugby Festival
An Exiles’ Mini player at the 2024 HSBC Rugby Festival
Exiles Mini Rugby is for both girls and boys
U8 Rugby – Minis
Our qualified coaches help under 8 rugby players to develop self-esteem and progress their evasive running skills and learn to pass to a moving receiver.
Midi Rugby – Girls & Boys
U9 Rugby
Under 9 rugby is the introduction of contact, key safety points of tackling and being tackled are instilled as well as developing the skills of the offload, placement of the ball and passing off the ground.
Being correctly coached to tackle, also how to be tackled is fundamental not only to the safety aspects of the game, but also the continued enjoyment of playing rugby. Our under 9 rugby coaches will encourage the offload in the contact, correct placement of the ball and introduce tackling around the legs.
Dubai Exiles Under 9 Rugby Squad 2024
U10 Rugby
At under 10 we introduce the contest for possession after the tackle and decision making at the breakdown. Our coaches will help young rugby players to cope with he demands of the tackle area and introduce effective and accurate contesting of the ball after the tackle and support for the ball carrier and tackler.
U11 Rugby
Under 11 we continue to develop the player’s skills at the breakdown and further develop the decision making of all players at the breakdown area in both attack and defence. The contest for possession and decision making at the breakdown are essential skills in understanding and enjoying rugby.
U12 Rugby
At Under 12, rugby players are introduced to the ‘full’ game of rugby. The set piece is introduced, scrummage and lineouts as well as full pitch.
Dubai Exiles Under 12 Team the 2020 HSBC Festival Cup Winners
Through a dedicated network of volunteer coaches, aided and assisted by our highly experienced Club Director of Rugby DuRandt Gerber and a number of senior players with coaching and teaching qualifications, we aim to provide the highest standard of facilities and coaching for all our members.
We provide a superb rugby environment for all ages of younger players from 4 years through to Under 19. Regular training is held in Dubai at The Sevens Stadium (see map below) during the Rugby season (September to April). Matches are played locally in domestic leagues and internationally through participation in festivals and tours. In recent years some of our M&Y teams have toured England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, South Africa and Australia, and scored some noteworthy victories along the way as well as creating some wonderful and life long memories!
Contacts
Feel free to contact our Director of Rugby, Jacques Benade, should you need more information or find out about opportunities to play rugby at the Exiles, no matter your age or ability.
