UAE RUGBY

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a growing rugby scene, with the sport gaining popularity among both local Emiratis and expatriates living in the country.

In 2009 the UAE Minister of Culture and Youth and Community Development and the Chairman of the Government of Youth and Sports decreed the formation of the board of directors of the UAE Rugby Association.

Since then the UAE Rugby Association, was responsible of developing and growing the game in the United Arab Emirates, It was awarded Full Membership status of the Asian Rugby Football Union on June 2011 and was then upgraded by the Government of Youth and Sports to UAE Rugby Federation in October 2012 after it has shown its commitment in developing and growing the game in the United Arab Emirates.

The UAE Rugby Federation (UAERF) was then awarded a Full Membership status of the then International Rugby Board (IRB), now known as World Rugby (WR), in November 2012 which is the highest recognition that a Union could be awarded by the International Governing Body.

UAE Rugby History

Gulf Rugby has a long history in the UAE, with the first recorded match taking place in 1970. However, it wasn’t until the formation of the UAE Rugby Federation that the sport began to thrive in the country. The federation has worked tirelessly to establish rugby clubs and teams, as well as organising and hosting local, regional, and international tournaments.

One of the most significant events in UAE rugby history was the hosting of the Rugby World Cup Sevens in 2009. This was the first time the tournament had been held in the Middle East, and the UAE proved to be an excellent host. The tournament was a huge success, with fans from all over the world flocking to Dubai to watch the world’s best teams compete with an attendance of over 78,000 fans descending on The Sevens Stadium.

The success of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series has helped to boost the profile of rugby in the UAE, and the sport has continued to grow in popularity. There are now a number of rugby clubs and teams in the country, providing opportunities for players of all ages and abilities to get involved in the sport. These clubs compete in local leagues and tournaments, as well as participating in regional competitions such as the Arabian Gulf Cup.

In addition to its clubs and teams, the UAE also has a number of excellent facilities for rugby. The 7he Sevens Stadium, built specifically for the Rugby World Cup Sevens, is a state-of-the-art venue that is used for both local and international matches. There are also a number of other pitches and training facilities throughout the country that are suitable for rugby.