Dubai Tuskers RFC announced today that Arshad Jamaldeen has been appointed as the Head Coach – 7s Rugby, as the club continues to strengthen its rugby programme and prepare for the 2026 Emirates Dubai Rugby 7s.
Arshad brings extensive playing experience from Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates, together with a strong understanding of Rugby 7s, tactical game management, goal kicking, leadership and player development.
- Peterites spoil Trinity’s triple-championship party as Dharmaraja win U19 Elite Rugby 7s crown
- Rumesh Tharanga clinches Sri Lanka’s first-ever WA Ultimate Championship title
For the Tuskers, this appointment also represents the continuation of a relationship that began in 2023, when Arshad became part of the Dubai Tuskers RFC playing group. Having represented the club from 2023 to 2025, he now takes on a new responsibility — leading the Tuskers’ 7s rugby programme from the coaching side.
From Royal College to International Rugby
Arshad’s rugby journey began at Royal College, Colombo 7, one of Sri Lanka’s most renowned rugby schools.
At Royal College, he developed as a talented fly-half and goal kicker, establishing himself as a player with strong tactical awareness, composure and an ability to influence matches through his kicking and game management.
His school career provided the foundation for what would become an extensive journey through Sri Lankan club rugby, national-level rugby and international Rugby 7s.
Representing Sri Lanka at the Youth Commonwealth Games
One of the significant milestones in Arshad’s early international career came when he was selected to represent Sri Lanka Rugby 7s at the Youth Commonwealth Games.
Arshad toured to the Isle of Man as part of the Sri Lankan Rugby 7s representation at the Games.
Representing his country on an international stage at a young age provided Arshad with valuable exposure to international Rugby 7s competition and the demands of playing against teams from different rugby nations.
That experience became an important stepping stone in his development as a Rugby 7s player and helped shape the tactical and competitive mindset that he continues to bring to the game today.
Sri Lankan Club Rugby Career
Following his school career, Arshad continued his development through Sri Lankan club rugby.
He represented leading clubs including Police Sports Club, Kandy Sports Club and CH & FC, competing against some of the country’s strongest domestic rugby teams.
Playing primarily at fly-half, while also featuring at full-back, Arshad became known for his goal-kicking ability, tactical understanding and ability to control the game from the backline.
His years in Sri Lankan club rugby exposed him to high-level competition and provided valuable experience in different playing environments and team structures.
Representing Sri Lanka
Arshad’s career extended beyond domestic rugby into the Sri Lankan national rugby setup.
He represented Sri Lanka in both 15-a-side and Rugby 7s, gaining experience at international level and continuing to develop his understanding of the demands of representative rugby.
His involvement with Sri Lankan Rugby 7s, including his Youth Commonwealth Games experience in the Isle of Man, gave him an early understanding of the speed, space and tactical decision-making required in the shortened format.
These experiences would later become highly relevant to his coaching philosophy and approach to Rugby 7s.
The UAE Rugby Chapter
Arshad later continued his rugby career in the United Arab Emirates, where he became an active member of the country’s rugby community.
His UAE journey included his involvement with the Royal Tuskers, representing the Old Royalists’ rugby community in the UAE.
As a senior member and Vice-Captain, Arshad played an important leadership role within the team.
His UAE rugby experience gave him the opportunity to compete in the Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens environment and against a diverse range of international players and teams.
Dubai Tuskers RFC — 2023 to 2025
In 2023, Arshad became part of the Dubai Tuskers RFC family.
From 2023 through 2025, he represented the club and contributed to the Tuskers’ Rugby 7s campaigns.
During his time as a player, Arshad brought experience from both Sri Lankan and UAE rugby, while also contributing leadership and tactical knowledge to the team environment.
His time with the Dubai Tuskers allowed him to understand the club from the inside — its players, culture, expectations and ambitions.
That experience now provides an important foundation as he transitions into his new role as Head Coach.
From Player to Head Coach
The appointment of Arshad Jamaldeen as Head Coach – 7s Rugby represents a new chapter in his rugby career.
Having experienced the game as a player at school, club, national and international 7s level, Arshad understands the demands placed on players both physically and mentally during Rugby 7s competition.
His experience as a fly-half and goal kicker also brings a strong understanding of:
- Tactical decision-making
- Game management
- Attacking structure
- Defensive organisation
- Goal kicking
- Player discipline
- Tournament preparation
- Rugby 7s awareness
As Head Coach, his focus will be on developing the Tuskers’ Rugby 7s programme, preparing players for tournament competition and building a team culture based on discipline, commitment, fitness, tactical awareness and unity.
Preparing for the 2026 Emirates Dubai 7s
Arshad’s appointment comes at an exciting time for Dubai Tuskers RFC.
The club is preparing for the 2026 Emirates Dubai Rugby 7s, with plans to enter two competitive teams and continue building on the club’s recent performances at the tournament.
Arshad’s experience in Rugby 7s, combined with his knowledge of the Tuskers environment, will be an important part of the club’s preparation.
The objective is not simply to participate, but to build a disciplined, competitive and united Tuskers squad capable of performing at its highest level.
A Journey from Player to Leader
From Royal College, Colombo 7, to representing Sri Lanka Rugby 7s at the Youth Commonwealth Games in the Isle of Man, through Sri Lankan club and national rugby, his UAE rugby journey and finally his years with Dubai Tuskers RFC, Arshad Jamaldeen has experienced rugby from many different perspectives.
Now, that experience comes together in a new role.
