Founded in 2021 by Morgan Papin, Les Crunchers began as a casual gathering of French-speaking friends looking to enjoy rugby together.

In just a few years, they’ve grown into a prominent fixture in Dubai’s festival rugby scene, blending a social atmosphere with a competitive edge.

Today, they compete across the UAE, regularly participating in sevens and tens tournaments, including the iconic Dubai Sevens.

Morgan Papin, who has been in Dubai for 13 years, created Les Crunchers to fill a niche he felt was missing: a French-speaking rugby team.

“We started as friends playing touch rugby, and I thought, ‘Why not form a team for sevens?’” he recalls.

Les Crunchers debuted at the 2021 Dubai Sevens, immediately making waves by winning the Open Plate in their first outing. This victory provided a powerful start, setting the stage for further growth and success.

‘Captures the team spirit’

Inspired by the legendary France-England rugby rivalry, the team name, ‘Les Crunchers,’ reflects both the fierceness of the sport and a nod to this historical competition. Papin, who designed the team’s logo, views it as a point of pride within the local rugby community.

“Our logo really captures the team spirit and has become central to our identity”

In 2023, Les Crunchers expanded with a women’s team, aptly named Les Crunchettes. Driven by the enthusiasm of players’ wives and friends who were eager to join, the team quickly grew.

“They approached JB, our key organiser, saying they wanted to play. He challenged them to bring 10 people, and they came back with 12 for their first training session.”

Initially competing in touch tournaments, Les Crunchettes are now training hard for their debut in the Dubai Sevens women’s category.

‘First time at the Dubai Sevens was intense’

While Les Crunchers may have started with a social spirit, they’re a serious contender when it comes to gameplay.

“We’re here for fun, but when it’s game time, we switch to competitive mode,” Papin explains.

The team trains weekly at The English College on natural grass, where the men’s and women’s teams practice back-to-back.

To support members interested in 15-a-side rugby, Les Crunchers have partnered with Sharjah Wanderers, providing an opportunity for players to experience full 15s matches while maintaining their social club roots.

“It’s a fantastic arrangement for players who want to try 15s without leaving the social aspect of our club.”

The Dubai Sevens holds a special place for Les Crunchers. Known for its high-stakes atmosphere and global competition, it challenges them every year.

“Our first time at the Dubai Sevens was intense. The pace caught us off guard in the first game, but we found our rhythm by the second.”

Les Crunchers now use these experiences to refine their game, working hard in training to push for better results each season.

“We’re always aiming for the finals. The competition motivates us to improve.”

‘Aiming for the finals’

Les Crunchers are hungry for more success.

“We’ve won trophies over the past few years, and we’re determined to add more. This year, we’re aiming for the finals and want to bring home another title,” Papin states.

Their gameplay strategy revolves around fast-paced rugby, emphasising ball movement and width to outmaneuver opponents.

“Keeping the ball moving and using the field’s width plays to our strengths,” he explains.

Looking ahead, Papin dreams of forming a 15-a-side team.

“That’s the ultimate goal, but it’s a big challenge. You need a lot of committed players, especially in the front row,” he admits.

For now, Les Crunchers remain focused on strengthening their sevens and tens squads, with The Crunchettes becoming an essential part of the team’s future.