• In UAE Rugby League

Dubai Tuskers RFC, a Sri Lankan-rooted rugby club based in the United Arab Emirates, is preparing to compete in the UAE Rugby League competition as it continues to expand its presence within regional rugby. 

Founded by Dayan Diddeniya, the club has grown steadily within the UAE rugby scene with a focus on creating opportunities for Sri Lankan and multinational rugby players living in Dubai, while promoting a strong community-driven sporting culture.

The club leadership includes Founder Dayan Diddeniya and Head Coach Bob Goodwin.

The team first entered the UAE rugby spotlight in 2023 under the name Royal Tuskers during the Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens, becoming the first Sri Lankan alumni side to compete in the Gulf Men’s Social League competition.

Their fearless performances, fighting spirit, and unity on and off the field quickly earned admiration across the UAE rugby community.

The momentum continued in 2024 when Royal Tuskers achieved another historic milestone by winning the Gulf Men’s Social Plate Championship at the Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens. 

The triumph marked the club’s first major trophy and showcased the rapid growth and development of the squad within a short period of time.

Following this success, founder Dayan Diddeniya introduced a broader vision for the future of the club. 

With the ambition of creating more opportunities for both Sri Lankan and other nationality rugby players in Dubai, the organisation was officially rebranded from Royal Tuskers to Dubai Tuskers RFC.

The rebranding represented more than just a name change. It signaled the beginning of a larger mission – building a competitive rugby organisation that promotes inclusivity, player development, community values, and long-term growth within UAE rugby.

Operating under the motto “One Team. One Dream. One Family,” Dubai Tuskers RFC is focused on developing rugby players of all levels in Dubai by creating opportunities for beginners, experienced players and emerging talent to grow within a professional and supportive environment.

The club’s vision extends beyond competition and trophies, with Dubai Tuskers RFC aiming to build a strong rugby culture where players from Sri Lanka and other nationalities can train, compete and improve together while promoting the values of teamwork, discipline, respect and unity.

As part of its expanding ambitions, the club will field two teams at this year’s Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens under the Gulf Men’s Open and Gulf Men’s Social categories.

The move reflects the club’s commitment to competing at higher levels while continuing to nurture emerging rugby talent from diverse backgrounds.

Dubai Tuskers RFC is also preparing to compete in the UAE Rugby League competition in the traditional 15-a-side format, marking another important step in its sporting journey.

The participation highlights the club’s growing presence within regional rugby and its ambition to establish itself among the UAE’s recognised rugby organisations.

Beyond the field, Dubai Tuskers RFC has developed a strong family-oriented culture and maintains close ties with the Sri Lankan expatriate community in the UAE.

The club continues to bring together players, supporters, families and rugby enthusiasts through a shared passion for the sport and a commitment to teamwork and unity.

For many Sri Lankans living overseas, the rise of Dubai Tuskers RFC represents more than rugby, symbolising community pride, resilience and representation on an international sporting platform.

As the club enters a new chapter in UAE rugby, Dubai Tuskers RFC aims to continue representing Sri Lankan rugby culture while creating opportunities for the next generation of players in the Middle East under its motto, “One Team. One Dream. One Family.”