Nikhil Agarwal, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sharks Rugby Club, shared his thoughts on the club’s recent promotion to the top flight West Asia Super Rugby.

The Sharks, as they are today originally formed by the merging of two clubs back in 2011. The Arabian Potbellies and the Dubai Frogs, both clubs struggling with membership numbers and finding reliable training grounds, the two teams decided to join forces.

From there, the Dubai Sharks slowly grew in both size and reputation. As Agarwal recalled, the early days were not easy, but the club’s perseverance eventually paid off. Today, the Dubai Sharks have over 100 senior players and more than 600 youth players registered. This growth has allowed the club to become a central figure in Dubai’s rugby scene.

‘A much more competitive environment’

One of the major highlights of the club’s recent history is its promotion to the UAE Premiership and West Asia Super Rugby (previously West Asia Premiership), the highest rugby league in the Middle East region. The Sharks earned their spot by winning the Division 1 championship last season, marking a huge milestone for the club.

“With this promotion, comes a lot of responsibility”

“The excitement in the squad is palpable,” Agarwal shared. “But with this promotion comes a lot of responsibility. We’re stepping into a much more competitive environment, and we need to be prepared for the challenges ahead.”

To compete at this higher level, the club is focusing on expanding its squad and coaching staff. Agarwal highlighted the need for additional resources, including experienced players and more specialised training.

As the Sharks gear up for the Premiership, they’re also aware of the need to grow not just in numbers but in quality, ensuring they can hold their own against some of the top teams in the Gulf.

A major hurdle for many sports clubs is securing adequate facilities, and the Sharks have certainly had their share of challenges in this area. Agarwal spoke about how the club had struggled to find a stable home ground for years, moving between various locations as they searched for something permanent.

Fortunately, the Sharks have now secured a long-term deal for their home training grounds at Al Habtoor Polo Club, providing the club with a much-needed sense of stability. Having a permanent home allows the Sharks to focus on developing their players and growing the club without worrying about where they’ll play next season.

However, facilities aren’t the only concern for a growing club. Agarwal also emphasised the importance of financial health. With the promotion to the UAE Premiership, the Sharks need to ensure they can financially support their growth. “We’ve been lucky to have the support of our members and some long-standing sponsors,” he noted. “But as we move forward, financial security will be key to our success.”

Looking ahead, the Dubai Sharks have some clear goals in mind. Agarwal outlined the club’s priorities, which include achieving greater financial security, expanding the veteran players’ program, and integrating the club’s netball team to have all sports under one roof.

“We want to make sure that all of our sports programs, from rugby to netball, are working together under one umbrella. That way, we can offer a more unified experience for all our members.”

“The netball team is an important part of our club’s identity,” Agarwal explained. “We want to make sure that all of our sports programs, from rugby to netball, are working together under one umbrella. That way, we can offer a more unified experience for all our members.”

Another area of focus is the youth rugby development, which has always been a central part of the Sharks’ mission. The club is proud of its mini and junior rugby programs, which have produced several players who have gone on to represent national teams or join top-level academies. “Seeing young players from our club move on to bigger stages is incredibly rewarding,” Agarwal said. “It motivates us to keep pushing, to keep growing, and to keep developing the next generation of rugby talent.”

One key factor in the Sharks’ youth success was the 2022 merge with the Knights Eagles, a mini and youth rugby club originally two separate clubs (Arabian Knights and Dubai Eagles). The merge brought a surge of young talent into the Sharks’ ranks, significantly boosting the club’s youth program. “That merge gave us the numbers we needed in the mini and youth sections,” Agarwal explained. “It’s because of the support from our members and long-standing sponsors that we’re in this position today.”

With the addition of the youth section, the Sharks now have a comprehensive program that takes players from their earliest stages through to senior rugby. This development pathway is essential for the club’s long-term growth and success, and it’s something they’re very proud of.

‘Committed to making them proud’

As the Dubai Sharks prepare for their first season in the UAE’s top flight rugby competition, they’re not just focused on the short term. Their eyes are set on building a sustainable, successful club for years to come. By focusing on youth development, expanding their player base, and ensuring financial stability, the Sharks are laying the foundation for long-term success.

“We’re excited about what the future holds,” Agarwal said. “But we know we have a lot of work ahead of us. The support we’ve received from the community, our players, and our sponsors has been incredible, and we’re committed to making them proud.”

For a club that started from humble beginnings, the Dubai Sharks have come a long way.