Exiles’ Hooker, Dave Gairn, enjoys a front row seat
Senior Men’s Rugby
Dubai Exiles RFC Men’s Section are a leading force in Middle East Rugby; our 1st XV are 2019/20, 2020/21 West Asia Premiership Finalists, 2019/20, 2020/21, 2022/23, UAE Premiership Champions, and 2017 and 2021 Dubai 7’s Gulf Men’s League Champions. The Club’s 2nd XV play in UAE Division 1 finishing Champions in 2020/21 with an undefeated season.
Exiles’ Namibian scrum-half, Carel Thomas, against Bahrain
Irishman Robbie Deegan
We offer the best coaching, physio and club setup in the UAE and we train and play at the premier rugby facilities in the region.
We field various Men’s teams which compete in both UAE and West Asia regional competitions. Additionally, the club enters the hugely popular annual Emirates Dubai Sevens tournament that is played in conjunction with the IRB World Sevens Series in December of each year.
Former Ireland U20 International, John Donnan, takes a catch
UAE International, Jaen Botes, up in the air
This world famous tournament was started by Dubai Exiles and was previously known as The Dubai Exiles Sevens. Over the years our men’s 7’s teams have achieved regular success in this tournament playing in front of 50,000 rugby fans with the event being televised worldwide to millions more fans. Our Men’s section train as one squad on Mondays and Wednesdays and play all home fixtures at the world famous The Sevens Stadium, where we have a spectacular Clubhouse that overlooks the 8 x world class pitches.
Teenager, Tayne Stannard, pulling the Number 10 strings
Shane Weweje concentrating
Men’s 1st XV – UAE Premiership & West Asia Premiership Rugby
UAE Premiership Champions three times in the last five seasons, our 1st team squad caters to all those who are enthusiastic to play regular, high level, and competitive rugby. From young aspiring players to experienced elite players, all battle it out on the pitch every weekend competing in the various prestigious competitions in the Gulf.
We have a proud tradition of being multiple winners of these competitions. This coming season, 2023/24 our 1st XV will again be playing in the UAE and West Asia Premierships. This will consist of a home and away game played against the other 5 highest rated teams in the UAE. They will also play in the West Asia Premiership which is a cross border competition, that includes Bahrain and Doha.
UAE International, Justin Walsh, on the charge
South African, Schalk Du Preez, with the hand off
Our Men’s rugby section boasts a proud record of seeing a number of players regularly being selected for the UAE National side and last season was no exception with 16 selected, further increasing the number of our 1st XV who are home-grown talent having come through our strong and unsurpassed junior rugby program.
We have a highly skilled and experienced management team compromising of:
- Head Coach – Jacques Benade (former Captain South Africa “A”, Blue Bulls, Natal Sharks and Treviso, Level 3 Coach and a current coach of the UAE National Squad)
Men’s 2nd XV – UAE Division 1 Rugby
Our 2nd XV, is also often referred to as the ‘Super 2s’ and competes in the UAE Division 1 Competition. It too plays every year in the Dubai 7’s. The 2nd XV offers a competitive, but social platform of Rugby and offers a good blend of U18 development players, aspiring 1st team players and seasoned Vets (over age 35) who offer leadership, experience and spirit.
- Coach – Emil Seyfferdt (former Free State Cheetahs centre and former Dubai Hurricanes Head Coach)
Dubai Exiles’ coach Emil Seyfferdt
Exiles’ Head Coach, Jacques Benade, is also the Head Ccoach of the UAE National Team.
Contacts
Anybody is welcome to come along, get involved, and enjoy playing their rugby with us at Dubai Exiles Rugby Club. Feel free to contact the Club at hello@dubaiexiles.com, should you need any more information on how you can get involved and enjoy your rugby at Dubai Exiles RFC.
To play Premiership and Division 1 rugby in Dubai you need to be resident in the UAE with an Emirates ID and a residency Visa, we have an FAQ Page that tells you what you need to know.
