Exiles and UAE rugby’s most capped international and cuddly Number 8, Jaen Botes, will be taking the reins as Head Coach of the Dubai Exiles Under 13s for the upcoming 2024-25 rugby season.
Jaen is a hugely experienced and formidable player who has been wearing an Exiles shirt in the UAE Premiership since 2017.
The big South African Number 8 first moved to the UAE in 2004, and featured in the Exiles Under 19 side in his first season at the age of 17.
After making his Emirates Dubai 7s debut in 2007, Jaen was offered a scholarship at prestigious Llandovery College in Mid Wales, the school where British & Irish Lions stars, Alun Wyn Jones and George North honed their rugby education.
During his time in Wales Jaen enjoyed regional rugby stints with with the Cardiff Blues and Scarlets as well as pulling on the famous black shirt of Neath RFC in the Welsh Premiership.
While wearing another famous black shirt, that of the Exiles, Jaen has won West Asia Premiership, UAE Premiership, and Emirates Dubai 7s titles on multiple occasions.
He continues to represent the UAE on the #internationalrugby stage in both 7s and 15s and proved to be a major cog in the UAE rugby wheel that defeated both South Korea and Malaysia in this year’s Asia Rugby Championship.
We’re looking forward to seeing Jaen and the Exiles‘ Under 13s on the pitches at The Sevens Stadium.
We’re sure you’re all going to have a great 2024-25 rugby season!
