The UAE national rugby team has embarked on an unforgettable journey in the 2024 Asian Rugby Championship, marked by moments of intense competition, historical victories, and a display of unyielding spirit.

This tournament has been a testament to their dedication and growth, cementing their place among Asia’s rugby elite.

The UAE’s campaign began with a daunting away game against Hong Kong at the Hong Kong Football Stadium. Anticipation was high as Emosi Vecenaua ignited the hopes of UAE supporters with a stunning try in the 5th minute, intercepting a pass for an early lead that electrified fans both at the stadium and those watching from home, signalling that the UAE team was ready to surprise.

However, Hong Kong’s experience and strength soon became evident. Despite the initial burst of energy, the match ended 52-5 in favour of Hong Kong, a humbling start that only fueled the UAE’s determination to prove their mettle.

Rising from the Ashes: Subsequent Matches

The resilience of the UAE team shone brightly in their subsequent matches. They faced formidable opponents in Korea and Malaysia, achieving notable results:

• Hong Kong 52-5 UAE
• Korea 55-5 Malaysia
• Malaysia 6-70 Hong Kong
• UAE 36-32 Korea
• UAE 62-19 Malaysia
• Korea 7-67 Hong Kong

The Turning Point: UAE vs Korea

In what became a defining moment of the championship, the UAE clashed with Korea at the 7s Stadium in Dubai. This game will be etched in the memories of fans and players alike. Despite trailing 27-13 at halftime, the UAE team, under the inspiring leadership of captain Matt Mills, orchestrated a phenomenal comeback.

With change in game plan and playing their own style of UAE rugby, they turned the tide, rallying from behind to clinch a stunning 36-32 victory.

A Glorious Finale: UAE vs Malaysia

The final match against Malaysia was a showcase of the UAE’s growing dominance. Determined to make a significant statement, the team played with unmatched vigour and precision. The 7s Stadium was a sea of excitement and support, with fans cheering on their local heroes, representing teams from the UAE premiership such as Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Jebel Ali Dragons, Dubai Exiles, Dubai Hurricanes and Dubai Tigers.

From the outset, the UAE exhibited their superiority, leading 40-12 at halftime. They played with an unyielding determination, ignoring Malaysia’s higher World Rugby ranking. The match concluded with a decisive 62-19 victory, marking the UAE’s first-ever win against Malaysia in the championship. This triumph was celebrated with immense joy and pride, affirming their place as a rising force in Asian rugby.

‘An unforgettable few weeks’

Jamie Gavin stood out as a key player throughout the tournament, finishing as the second-highest point scorer with 33 points, just behind Paul Altier of Hong Kong, who amassed 54 points. Gavin’s consistent performance was pivotal in the UAE’s success.

“It was an unforgettable few weeks and an amazing experience to have been part of this group. We grew into the tournament and gathered momentum with each game. The Malaysia game really showed that we belong at this level and we’re excited to see where we can take it as we feel we’ve got a lot more to offer. You can feel the excitement among the UAE rugby community growing and we’re looking forward to giving them more memorable days and nights at the 7s stadium.”

Asia Rugby Championship 2024 Final Standings

The championship concluded with Hong Kong being crowned Asia Rugby Champions 2024. The final standings were:

 

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This remarkable second-place finish for the UAE highlights their growth and competitive spirit, marking a significant achievement in their rugby journey over the past decade.

Forwards coach, Aaron Persico reflects on the teams performance in this year’s Asia Rugby Championship;

“Hopefully they can raise the level at the club to help improve the club standards, which will then transfer into the UAE team”

“We had a six week build up before our games and I’m really happy with the players attitudes towards the Asia Rugby Championship. The forwards had a variety of players from experienced players to a couple of younger players, like Marcus Guerin, who plays his rugby for the Dubai Tigers and is only 19 years old, so it was good to have up and coming talent getting experience.”

“I’m really excited for what next year is going to look like and opportunities this could launch for us. The fact that we know that his time next year there’s some really exciting opportunities for the boys, so it gives the players some goals for them, something really to get excited about to keep them working hard over the summer and to make sure that when they come back in September that they need be the leaders within their club, performing well, so hopefully they can raise the level at the club to help improve the club standards, which will then transfer into the UAE team.”

A Historical Perspective

The UAE’s journey in the Asian Rugby Championship has seen highs and lows. They first made the podium in 2011, replacing the disbanded Arabian Gulf regional side. Known then as the Asia Five Nations, they secured third place with a win over Kazakhstan and a draw against Sri Lanka.

However, maintaining their early success proved challenging, and the team oscillated between the second and third tiers of Asian rugby. Yet, the 2024 Asia Rugby Championship marked a resurgence, with the team demonstrating their ability to compete at the highest levels once again having been promoted from Asia Rugby Division 1.

Looking Ahead

Reflecting on their performance in the 2024 Asian Rugby Championship, the UAE team is poised for future success. The victories against Korea and Malaysia signal a promising trajectory, suggesting that the team is regaining its competitive edge.

The path forward involves strategic planning, rigorous training, and continued support from the UAE Rugby Federation. The goal is not just to remain competitive but to consistently aim for the podium in future championships.

The UAE national rugby team’s journey in the 2024 Asian Rugby Championship is a story of perseverance, potential, and passion. As they prepare for the challenges ahead, they remain committed to elevating their performance and leaving an indelible mark on Asian rugby.