Dubai Tuskers RFC, a proudly Sri Lankan-rooted rugby club based in the United Arab Emirates, is preparing to take part in the UAE Rugby League competition, carrying the spirit, passion, and pride of the Sri Lankan community onto one of the region’s growing rugby stages.
Founded by Dayan Diddeniya, the club has rapidly grown into a recognized name within UAE rugby, driven by a vision of creating opportunities for Sri Lankan and multinational rugby players living in Dubai while building a strong community-centered sporting culture.
The club leadership includes:
· Founder – Dayan Diddeniya
· Head Coach – Bob Goodwin
The club first entered the UAE rugby spotlight in 2023 under the name “Royal Tuskers” during the prestigious Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens. The team made history by becoming the first-ever 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.
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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 organization 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 organization that promotes inclusivity, player development, community values, and long-term growth within UAE rugby.
As “One Team – One Dream – One Family,” Dubai Tuskers RFC is committed to developing rugby players of all levels in Dubai by creating opportunities for beginners, experienced players, and emerging talent to grow within a professional, supportive, and family-oriented environment.
The club’s vision goes beyond competition and trophies. Dubai Tuskers RFC focuses on building a strong rugby culture where players from Sri Lanka and many other nationalities can train,
compete, and improve together while representing the values of teamwork, discipline, respect, and unity.
As part of its expanding ambitions, Dubai Tuskers RFC will field two rugby teams at this year’s Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens under the categories of Gulf Men’s Open and Gulf Men’s Social. The move highlights the club’s commitment to competing at higher levels while continuing to nurture emerging rugby talent from diverse backgrounds.
The club is also preparing to compete in the UAE Rugby League competition in the traditional 15-a-side format, another major step in its sporting journey. The participation reflects Dubai Tuskers RFC’s growing presence in regional rugby and its determination to establish itself among the UAE’s respected rugby organizations.
Beyond the field, Dubai Tuskers RFC has become known for its strong family-oriented culture and close connection with the Sri Lankan expatriate community in the UAE. The club continues to unite players, supporters, families, and rugby enthusiasts through a shared passion for the sport and a commitment to teamwork, discipline, and brotherhood.
For many Sri Lankans living overseas, the rise of Dubai Tuskers RFC represents more than rugby — it is a symbol of community pride, resilience, and representation on an international sporting platform.
As the club enters a new chapter in UAE rugby, Dubai Tuskers RFC stands ready to proudly represent Sri Lankan rugby culture while opening doors for the next generation of players in the Middle East.
“One Team. One Dream. One Family.”
