It’s crunch time as we look to the final Division 1 league table placements before the quarter final playoffs.

Brace yourselves for a gripping finish to the 2023/24 season! It’s the business end of UAE Division 1 rugby.

As we edge closer to the grand finale on the 27th of April, the race for playoff spots is reaching its peak, promising nail-biting action in this weekend’s fixtures.

This season, nine teams have battled it out on the field and only the top eight will secure their place in the quarter-final playoffs. Unfortunalty for the Hurricanes, their season is over as they were thumped by Dragons last week which pinned them at the bottom of the table with nowhere to go. As it stands, the league table on yallarugby.com reflects the current standings, setting the stage for a thrilling end to the regular season.

Current league positions as we head into the final round of the regular season in Division 1

So, let’s dive into the scenarios and potential matchups that could unfold based on the current positions.

Topping the table, we find Sharks with an impressive performance throughout the season. This could be a brief visit though, depending on the outcomes of Amblers v Harlequins and Exiles v Tigers (now postponed) as they have no more league fixtures due to the Pumas forfeiting their final league match.

It’s all to play for though, as the top 4 teams will have a chance at the easier route and face eighth-place Pumas in the quarter-finals. Sharks could finish in 1st place if Amblers beat Harlequins without a bonus point, but they will have to wait for the rescheduled match between Exiles and Tigers for their final position.

In the second spot, Harlequins stand tall, hoping to make a significant impact in the playoffs. They’ll be focussed on knocking the Sharks off their mantle and solidifying their place as 1st place finishers, should they come through against Amblers with a win.

Meanwhile, third place Tigers will have to wait until they play their final fixture against 7th place Exiles. With only a slim margin separating them from the Amblers below, every point is crucial as they aim to secure their spot in the top two.

As we move down the table, the fight for the remaining positions intensifies. 5th placed Barrelhouse, looking for a bonus point win in this Friday nights clash against 6th place Dragons, are locked in a close battle which could see them leapfrog Ambers and Tigers.

With the potential for dramatic upsets and unexpected twists, the final weekend of fixtures is set to be a spectacle of rugby brilliance.

So, mark your calendars and clear your schedules. The countdown to the playoffs begins now, and the excitement is palpable. Don’t miss out on the action!