Senior rugby from 19+ years of age
You can become eligible to play for any mens senior rugby club once you are over the age of 18. Within the UAE, there are 3 main competitive rugby union competitions, played throughout the season from September until April, which is very similar to the rugby seasons played in the northern hemisphere and Europe.
Senior competitive rugby union in the UAE has been on the rise over the past 5 years due to more local rugby teams player numbers grow, which allows the rugby clubs to field more teams. The majority of the rugby clubs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have at least a 1st XV and 2nd XV team playing competitive rugby in the UAE, with some of the more popular rugby clubs able to offer a 3rd XV side.
Standards of mens rugby vary greatly from social/fun to semi/professional standard, including ex players and veterans (over 35yrs) who are just looking for the odd run out onto the pitch.
To take part in any competitive rugby match throughout the rugby season, the UAERF requires that all mens senior rugby players must be registered with a rugby club and be fully insured. Many of the rugby clubs around the UAE will build active sports insurance costs into their season’s subscriptions.