The Musaffah BillyGoats aren’t your typical rugby club, but they’re certainly a beloved fixture at the annual Dubai Rugby 7s.

Founded in 2016, the team brings players from across Abu Dhabi, many of whom play with clubs like the Abu Dhabi Harlequins, in a unique mix of camaraderie, humor, and passion for the sport.

Vatulele “Lele” Tusitala, one of the founding members, shared insights into what makes the Musaffah BillyGoats a standout presence at the Dubai Sevens each year.

Lele, who jokes that most people call him “Lele” because it’s easier, recalls the team’s beginnings as a casual gathering of friends.

“We weren’t actively playing club rugby anymore, but we’d played with teams like the Harlequins and Saracens. It was just a group of friends wanting to play at the Dubai Sevens.”

Since then, the BillyGoats have grown into an international squad with players from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, England, France, and more.

Their first challenge? Choosing a name.

“Musaffah is an industrial area in Abu Dhabi, and one of the guys suggested ‘Billy Goats,’ and it stuck,” Lele laughs.

‘Gets tougher every year’

Over the years, the Musaffah BillyGoats have consistently played in the Gulf Veterans category at the Dubai Sevens, facing tough opponents like the Harlequins Vets, Dragons, and Barrelhouse.

“The competition gets tougher every year,” says Lele, acknowledging the challenges while appreciating the growth of rugby in the region.

He credits the UAE’s community league for keeping veteran players active and raising the bar for tournaments like the Dubai Sevens.

Their iconic black-and-green jerseys, featuring Maori and Pacific designs, are another signature of the team.

“The colours came from one of our players’ old clubs in Australia. We originally had bright yellow and red but switched to green, black, and white.”

Each year, the design evolves, honoring the Pacific heritage of some players and adding an intimidating edge on the field.

‘A family event’

What truly defines the Musaffah BillyGoats, however, is their family-focused ethos.

“The Dubai Sevens is a family event for us,” Lele shares.

Every year, their families come along, with around 50 kids cheering them on from the sidelines. It’s not just about the competition for this team; it’s about creating memories and celebrating the game with loved ones.

Looking ahead, the team dreams of participating in other international tournaments.

“We’d love to go to the Hong Kong or Singapore Sevens someday, it would take a lot of planning, but it would be amazing.”

‘Jumping into sevens’

With the Dubai Sevens approaching, the Musaffah BillyGoats are preparing through intense ten-a-side training.

“The guys give up weekends to train, and their families back them every step of the way.”

“We’re wrapping up our community league games and then jumping into sevens training,” Lele explains.

He admits that shifting from 15s to 10s is a challenge, especially as the players get older. Still, the team remains optimistic, with a clear focus on reaching the podium this time.

The BillyGoats rely on generous sponsors to cover expenses such as registration fees and new kits.

“Without their support, we’d be paying out-of-pocket” Lele says. He also expresses deep gratitude for the commitment of his teammates and the support of their families.