Exiles Rugby Club

The Dubai Exiles Rugby has been a cornerstone of UAE rugby since its beginnings back in the late 1960s. The club’s journey started along the banks of Dubai Creek in Bur Dubai, where a group of rugby enthusiasts, primarily British expats, came together to play matches against various British military teams stationed in nearby Sharjah.

As the club’s popularity grew, the need for a dedicated playing ground became evident. With the support of the Dubai Municipality and the generosity of His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the then Ruler of Dubai, the Exiles secured a plot of land in Al Awir. There, they established their own pitch and clubhouse, marking the beginning of a new era for rugby in Dubai.

In 1970, the Exiles organised the inaugural Dubai Sevens tournament, a modest event that has since evolved into one of the most significant fixtures in the global rugby calendar. The club’s commitment to promoting rugby in the region was further recognised in 1972 when His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum became the club’s patron, underscoring the Exiles’ integral role in the UAE Rugby community.