Rugby is gaining ground in Saudi Arabia, and Khobar Rugby Club is right at the heart of it.

Founded back in 1976, the rugby club has weathered all sorts of challenges, from limited resources to a small player base. But now, thanks to a dedicated crew of rugby fans, the sport is starting to grow, bringing together both expats and locals with big plans for the future.

‘Still a nomadic club’

For years, Khobar Rugby Club has been driven by expats, mainly from British, South African, and Australian communities. One of their biggest hurdles? Not having a permanent place to call home.

“We’ve never had a permanent home,” says Mark Swinton, a key figure at the club.

“We’ve played in tournaments like the Dubai Sevens, but we’re still a nomadic club without a fixed location. Despite that, we’ve kept the community spirit strong.”

That sense of community has kept Khobar Rugby going. While it’s been an expat-heavy club for a long time, they’re now working hard to bring in more Saudi nationals and expand rugby’s reach in the Kingdom.

‘A fantastic tool for introducing rugby’

A major part of their growth strategy is T1 rugby, a non-contact version of the game that still features scrums and lineouts but cuts out the tackling. It’s a great way to get people involved without the full-on physicality of traditional rugby.

“T1 rugby has been a fantastic tool for introducing rugby to new players,” says Carmel Van Wyk, who helps with community outreach at the club.

“It’s open to everyone, and it’s been a great way to get locals interested in the sport.”

T1 rugby has also been picked up by the Saudi Arabian Rugby Federation as part of a national schools program, giving young Saudis a chance to get a feel for the game.

“We’re starting to see results,” says Van Wyk. “It’s not going to happen overnight, but the interest is growing.”

‘More local players’

Khobar Rugby Club has big ambitions. Their vision is to expand beyond their expat roots and build a solid foundation for rugby in Saudi Arabia.

“We want a permanent clubhouse, a dedicated pitch, and to grow our teams,” Swinton explains.

“It’s not just about veterans; we want to see juniors and more local players coming through.”

The club’s recent appearance in the Saudi Games marked a significant step forward. For the first time, Khobar Rugby fielded a team with ten Saudi players, a huge milestone for the sport’s growth in the Kingdom. The club is also working with the Saudi Arabian Rugby Federation to get official recognition, which would open up more sponsorship and funding opportunities.

‘A big milestone for us’

While Khobar Rugby is focused on growing the game at home, they’re no strangers to competing in regional tournaments. This year, they’re making waves at the Dubai Sevens, one of the biggest rugby events in the Middle East. For the first time, Khobar will enter two teams—one for veterans and one for social sevens.

“It’s a big milestone for us,” says Swinton. “We’re growing, and it gives our players more chances to compete and develop.”

Playing in the Dubai Sevens also helps Khobar Rugby build connections with other teams in the region, spreading the word about rugby’s rise in Saudi Arabia. “Rugby is more than just a game—it’s a family,” says Van Wyk. “The friendships and community are what keep people coming back.”

‘On the right track’

With the backing of the Saudi Arabian Rugby Federation, the introduction of T1 rugby, and a focus on building a rugby community, Khobar Rugby Club is leading the way for rugby’s growth in Saudi Arabia. As sports in the Kingdom continue to evolve, rugby could become a key part of that landscape.

“We’re on the right track,” says Swinton. “It’s going to take time, but we’re committed to growing rugby here. The future looks bright, and we can’t wait to see where it goes.”

Khobar Rugby is determined to overcome the challenges and make rugby a permanent fixture in Saudi sports. And with the momentum they’ve built, it’s clear that they’re just getting started.