- A deep dive into the history, triumphs, and future of the UAE’s only all-Sri Lankan rugby powerhouse
Today we shift our focus off the seas of Sri Lanka in search of a group of our very own islanders who aspire to reach great heights in the oval ball game.
Dubai Lankans Rugby Club has a rich and proud history and is widely recognised as a well-established rugby club in the UAE region. The club holds a unique place in the UAE local rugby landscape as the only Sri Lankan rugby team in the UAE composed entirely of Sri Lankan players. Over the years, Dubai Lankans have built a strong reputation for passion, discipline, and unity, proudly representing Sri Lankan rugby and culture while contributing significantly to the growth of the sport in the region.
This exclusive feature explores the remarkable 34-year evolution of the Dubai Lankans Rugby Club, tracing its transformation from a grassroots expat social group in 1991 to a professionalised, trophy-winning powerhouse in the modern UAE rugby circuit. Through an in-depth dialogue with the club’s leadership, the interview delves into the ‘Total Rugby’ tactical philosophy that defines their playstyle, the unbreakable bond of the Sri Lankan expats in the Middle East, and the club’s ambitious roadmap to serve as a developmental bridge for the sport back in the motherland. It is a story of heritage, grit, and the pursuit of excellence under the desert sun. To understand the heartbeat of the outfit, The Daily Morning sat down with Sathmina Perera (Captain) and Denister Goonethilake (Vice Captain) of the Dubai Lankans Rugby Club to discuss their journey, their triumphs, and the legacy they are building in West Asia.
Following are excerpts of the interview:
Rugby is a game of heritage. How did this particular journey begin for the Sri Lankan community in Dubai?
It’s a story that spans over three decades. The journey of the Dubai Lankans Rugby Club began in 1991. It was a different world back then, and the Dubai Lankans Sports Club was founded by Ramsi Al Dakkak with a vision that went beyond just sport. The aim was to promote rugby while creating a sanctuary—a supportive community for Sri Lankans living in a foreign land.
A major turning point came in 2016, when Mark Kirby stepped in as President of the club. Under his leadership, the club entered a new era with an expanded vision, professional structure, and renewed ambition. This transformation quickly translated into success on the field, marked by multiple title winning campaigns and cementing Dubai Lankans’ status as a formidable rugby club in the region.
Tell us about the people behind the team at Dubai Lankans?
Behind the success of Dubai Lankans Rugby Club is a dedicated and passionate leadership group that works tirelessly behind the scenes to uphold the club’s high standards. At the helm is Club President Mark Kirby, whose strong leadership and vision are supported by a committed team that ensures the club continues to grow both on and off the field.
The playing side is guided by Head Coach Thusitha Samarathilake, a former Havelock Sports Club and Sri Lanka national player, whose experience and expertise ensure the squad consistently performs at the highest level. Overseeing the overall operations is Club Manager Zalique Jayah, a former CH&FC and national player, who was also a key player for Dubai Lankans’ championship winning team in 2021. His deep understanding of the game and the club plays a vital role in its smooth functioning.
The administrative backbone of the club is Sachee Deeyagaha, who brings the committee together and manages all administrative affairs with efficiency and professionalism. Acting as the crucial link between players and management is Team Manager Ajwad Ali, a former Zahira College player and a member of the 2021 championship winning side, ensuring clear communication and team cohesion.
Long-serving members have also played an invaluable role in shaping the club’s identity. Kusal, one of the very first members of Dubai Lankans, has rendered remarkable service over the years, while Roshi and Josh were instrumental during the club’s early journey and contributed significantly to laying the foundation for its long term success.
What motivated you guys to form this team?
The motivation that catalyzed the formation of the Dubai Lankans Rugby Club was far more profound than just a desire to play sport; it was an intentional effort to promote the noble game of rugby while simultaneously constructing a robust, supportive sanctuary for Sri Lankans navigating life in the UAE. What originally sprouted as a simple platform to unite expatriates through the shared language of the oval ball quickly blossomed into a vibrant, welcoming ecosystem. In this space, Sri Lankans from across the various Emirates can forge deep personal connections, compete at the highest regional levels, and represent their rich cultural heritage with a sense of unyielding pride on a global stage.
Beyond the physical boundaries of the pitch, the club has institutionalised an unwavering open-door policy. This inclusivity ensures that opportunities are created for Sri Lankan players of all skill levels and socioeconomic backgrounds to participate in, and truly savor, the complexities of this beautiful game. Dubai Lankans is dedicated to fostering a spirit of unity, brotherhood, and cultural identity that transcends the scoreboard. By prioritizing camaraderie and the preservation of island values, the club has successfully evolved into a cultural anchor—a home away from home—making the organisation significantly more than just a rugby team, but a living testament to the strength of the Sri Lankans.
What are your most recent achievements?
The Dubai Lankans Rugby Club has enjoyed a sustained and prolific period of consistent success on the regional stage, a journey characterised by high-octane performances at the world-renowned and prestigious Emirates Dubai 7s. The club’s championship pedigree began to crystallise in 2018, when we captured the Gulf Men’s Social Plate Championship. This victory was far more than just a trophy; it was a psychological breakthrough that marked a pivotal milestone in our competitive evolution, signaling to the rest of the league the Lankans were a rising force to be reckoned with. Building on that initial foundation of success, the team reached a new zenith in 2021 by clinching the Gulf Men’s Social Cup Championship, a triumph that showcased our tactical maturity and growing dominance within the highly competitive social category of the Gulf region.
The club’s relentless momentum showed no signs of slowing down as we entered 2022, a year where we stepped up our intensity to claim the Gulf Men’s Opens Plate Championship. This particular victory was significant as it proved the squad’s versatile ability to transition into and compete at a much higher, more physically demanding level of play. By 2023, Dubai Lankans reached unprecedented heights by finishing as runners-up in the Gulf Men’s Opens Cup, an elite achievement that underlined our status as one of the premier, top-performing teams in the entire competition. Most recently, in 2025, the club once again stood atop the podium to lift the Gulf Men’s Social Plate Championship. This latest accolade serves as a powerful reaffirmation of our enduring strength, our collective resilience in the face of evolving competition, and our permanent, respected presence within the vibrant tapestry of UAE rugby.
What are the future plans brimming inside your team?
Looking ahead, the Dubai Lankans Rugby Club has ambitious plans for the future, with a strong focus on expansion and development. The club aims to introduce additional teams within its structure, creating more opportunities for players to participate, develop, and progress through the ranks. This expansion will allow the club to nurture talent at multiple levels while strengthening its overall competitiveness.
Alongside growth, Dubai Lankans are committed to achieving the highest level of success across all segments they compete in. With a clear vision, strong leadership, and a deep passion for the game, the club is determined to continue building on its legacy and reach new heights in both local and regional rugby competitions.
How is unity amongst Lankans when it comes to sports in the UAE?
Unity has always been the fundamental cornerstone and a defining hallmark of the Sri Lankan sporting community within the UAE. It is a bond that transcends the mere boundaries of a playing field; Sri Lankans across the UAE consistently coalesce with a profound and shared sense of collective pride, resilience, and deep-rooted camaraderie. By utilising sport as a dynamic and powerful platform, the community has successfully created a network that allows islanders to connect, mentor, and support one another in a foreign land. This extraordinary level of unity has not only strengthened the social fabric of us but has also empowered Sri Lankan teams and individual athletes to leave a significant and lasting footprint across the sporting landscape of the Middle Eastern region.
This impact is driven by a culture of deep mutual respect, disciplined teamwork, and an unwavering, sacred commitment to representing our motherland with the highest level of honor and integrity. Whether engaging in the heat of competition on the pitch or collaborating through administrative and social efforts off the field, this ironclad bond acts as the engine that drives consistent competitive success. It serves as a beacon of inspiration for future generations of young Sri Lankans growing up in the UAE, proving that through solidarity, we can overcome any challenge. Ultimately, this spirit of togetherness continues to solidify and strengthen the enduring presence of Sri Lankan sports, ensuring that our heritage remains a respected and formidable force in the regional arena.
How can someone join the club?
Joining the Dubai Lankans Sports Club is simple and welcoming. Interested players and supporters can connect with the club through its official social media platforms on Instagram and Facebook, where Dubai Lankans Sports Club regularly shares updates, contact details, and information on training sessions and trials. These platforms serve as the easiest way for newcomers to reach out, learn more about the club, and become part of the Dubai Lankans rugby family.
What's your message as a team for rugby in Sri Lanka as a whole?
As a team and a collective of passionate athletes living abroad, our message to the rugby fraternity in Sri Lanka is rooted in a foundation of unwavering belief, ironclad unity, and a strategic, long-term vision for the sport. We are not merely observers from a distance; we are deeply committed to actively supporting Sri Lanka Rugby as it navigates its journey toward becoming one of the most celebrated and popular sports across the island. Our goal is to play a truly meaningful role in the holistic development of the game, ensuring the sport flourishes at every single level—from grass root programmes in rural schools to the high-performance professional leagues and the national squad. We believe that by fostering a culture of excellence and inclusivity, we can help elevate the standard of the game to heights never seen before.
We firmly maintain the conviction that Sri Lanka possesses an immense, untapped well of talent and a raw competitive potential that is capable of rivaling the best in the world. With the implementation of the right institutional structures, robust financial and technical support, and the creation of fair international opportunities, we would love to see Sri Lanka competing consistently and successfully on the world stage, standing tall among the giants of the global rugby community. As the Dubai Lankans, we view ourselves as ambassadors of the Sri Lankan spirit in the Middle East; we stand ready to contribute our resources, offer our unwavering support, and represent the heritage of Sri Lankan rugby with profound pride and integrity, no matter where in the world we take to the pitch. Our mission is to bridge the gap between our home and the global arena, ensuring that the flame of Sri Lankan rugby burns brighter with every passing season.
The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the interviewee, and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication