In an exclusive interview with Frederik Holdt, the newly appointed chairman of Al Ain Amblers, we delve into the storied history, ongoing development, and community impact of one of the UAE’s most established rugby clubs.

‘It’s evolved a lot’

“We’ve built it up from one pitch, no restaurant, no bar, no gym, to what we have today. It’s evolved a lot, especially after we made the move to the Equestrian Club.”

Founded in 1984 by a small group of rugby enthusiasts, Al Ain Amblers has grown from humble beginnings into a significant player in the UAE rugby scene. Initially playing on a dusty pitch at the Intercontinental, the club moved to the Al Ain English Speaking School before settling at the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting, and Golf Club in 2007. Over the years, the club has expanded its facilities to include five pitches, a gym, a pool, and even a cricket club.

Reflecting on this growth, Holdt noted, “We’ve built it up from one pitch, no restaurant, no bar, no gym, to what we have today. It’s evolved a lot, especially after we made the move to the Equestrian Club.”

‘Very much a community club’

Unlike the larger clubs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Al Ain Amblers prides itself on its strong community ties. “We are very much a community club,” Holdt emphasised. The club regularly hosts family-oriented events, such as Friday night movie screenings for kids and family nights, where parents can relax while their children play in a safe environment. These activities have fostered a deep connection with the local community, contributing to the club’s success.

One of the unique aspects of the club is its ability to attract players from outside Al Ain. Despite the distance, several players drive from Dubai and Abu Dhabi twice a week to train and play for Al Ain Amblers. “It’s mostly boys who used to live in Al Ain and then moved to bigger cities, but they still prefer to play for their old club,” Holdt explained.

‘Players that have the skill set and the hunger’

As the team gears up for the upcoming season, there’s a sense of optimism mixed with the challenges of pre-season preparation. “We haven’t started pre-season yet,” Holdt admitted, as the club’s roster is predominantly composed of teachers, many of whom are still on holiday. Training is set to begin on August 20th, focusing on fitness, skills training, and refining their game plan. The club trains twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with sessions lasting between an hour and a half to two hours.

Holdt also addressed the loss of key players in the backs, including a centre and a fullback, due to work-related relocations. However, he remains confident that the club has the talent and hunger to fill these gaps. “We’ve got plenty of players that have the skill set and the hunger to take those positions over,” he stated.

‘For the love of the game’

The club has a history of success under the guidance of their two player-coaches, both of whom have been with the team for four seasons. Despite competing against teams with larger budgets and professional players, Al Ain Amblers has held its own, a testament to the dedication and passion of its members. “We don’t pay anyone; everyone involved is part of the community and does it for the love of the game,” Holdt said. Both coaches are also players, with one holding a level two coaching qualification and the other currently pursuing his level three, the highest qualification available.

“We don’t pay anyone; everyone involved is part of the community and does it for the love of the game,”

This sense of community extends to the youth teams as well. Many of the club’s members are teachers, who play a crucial role in introducing students to rugby. “We do a lot of things for the students and organise tours for the youth teams. The kids tell their mates about it and how much fun they’re having, and then they get involved too,” Holdt shared.

‘We’ve adapted’

Looking to the future, Holdt’s goal is clear: to continue growing the club, both in terms of membership and community involvement. The club has already expanded into other sports, including netball, Gaelic football, and most recently, football. “The biggest thing for Al Ain Rugby Club is to always be part of the community, keep growing, and be a place where people can take their kids or where adults can go after a day’s work to relax and enjoy themselves,” Holdt emphasised.

The impact of COVID-19 was a significant setback for the club, but they have rebounded by diversifying their offerings and focusing on creating a family-oriented environment. “It’s not as family oriented as it used to be, but we’ve adapted by expanding into other sports,” Holdt explained.

‘Top of the table’

As the new season approaches, Al Ain Amblers is ready to take on the challenges ahead. With a strong foundation, a committed community, and a clear vision for growth, the club is poised to continue its legacy in UAE rugby. The upcoming 2024/25 rugby season promises to be one of excitement and determination, as Al Ain Amblers strives to climb to the top of the UAE Division 1 league table.

Holdt remains optimistic about the team’s prospects, stating, “It’s always the plan to be top of the table. If you can choose where to be on the table, you’ll choose to be at the top.” The club’s commitment to fostering a sense of camaraderie and fun among its players, both on and off the field, is expected to play a crucial role in achieving this goal.

‘We can only get bigger and stronger’

With their focus on fostering community spirit and expanding their reach, Al Ain Amblers is not just a rugby club but a cornerstone of the Al Ain community. Whether through their events, school programs, or simply the love of the game, the club is making a lasting impact on the local rugby scene. As Holdt concluded, “If we can keep growing and keep the community involved, we can only get bigger and stronger.”