The Royal Tuskers, formed by alumni of Sri Lanka’s prestigious Royal College, Colombo, is getting ready for their second run at the Emirates Dubai Rugby 7s tournament, led by captain, Dayan Diddeniya.

A Proud Alumni Legacy

The Royal Tuskers are the first Sri Lankan school alumni team to compete in the Gulf Men’s Social League, which is part of the Emirates Dubai Rugby 7s. The Dubai 7s, one of the biggest sporting events in the Middle East, is where the Royal Tuskers are looking to leave their mark.

In June 2022 Dayan Diddeniya, eager to play with fellow alumni, decided to create a rugby team with former students from the Royal College who were living in the UAE.

Their goal? To showcase the spirit of their school on an international stage. And that’s exactly what they’ve done, becoming a fixture in Dubai’s rugby community, with plans to go beyond the Dubai Sevens and compete in the lower Division 2 league in the future.

‘Figuring things out’

When we spoke with Diddeniya, he was optimistic about the team’s prospects for the 2024 season.

“We’re better prepared this time around,” he said.

The Royal Tuskers have been training rigorously, with weekly practice sessions focusing on skill development and building team chemistry. Their coach, Jason Brown, a seasoned rugby expert who has coached some of the UAE’s top teams, has been instrumental in guiding them to a new level of competition.

Brown’s connection with the team runs deep, using his experience as a level 3 coach to sharpen their skills and push them to greater heights.

The Royal Tuskers have significantly improved since last year’s tournament.

“Last year, we were just getting together and figuring things out,” Diddeniya admitted.

With the addition of some key players, including two Sri Lankan national players and Division 1 players from the UAE, the team appears to be stronger and more cohesive.

‘We’re ready for this’

This year’s Dubai Rugby Sevens tournament will feature three Gulf divisions: Gulf Men’s League, Gulf Men’s Open League, and the Gulf Men’s Social League, where the Royal Tuskers will compete.

The team’s leadership structure is also stronger, with Arshad Jamaldeen stepping in as vice-captain, Uthpala Ranatunga as team manager, and Sudesh Rohana as the fitness trainer. Together, they’ve built a well-organised, disciplined team ready to face the local competition.

This year, the Tuskers are aiming for the championship title in the Gulf Men’s Social pool. Diddeniya is confident in his team’s potential.

“We started training back in March, focusing on everything from skills to fitness”

“We started training back in March, focusing on everything from skills to fitness,” he said. “We’re ready for this.”

But what really sets the Royal Tuskers apart isn’t just their skills on the field. It’s the sense of family that holds the team together.

“We’re more than a team; we’re like brothers,” Diddeniya explained.

This bond comes from their shared history at Royal College, and it translates into their teamwork on the field. Their motto, “One team, one dream, one family”, perfectly sums up the spirit of the Royal Tuskers.

This close-knit feeling extends beyond the players to the team’s sponsors, who have been crucial in supporting their journey. Diddeniya shared that it feels like more than just financial support—it’s a family supporting another family.

Together, the sponsors have helped cover the costs of training, equipment, and tournament fees, making it possible for the Royal Tuskers to focus on their rugby.

For now, though, all their energy is focused on the Dubai Sevens. “This year, we’re aiming to go for the championship,” Diddeniya said.