Gampaha Rugby Football Club of Sri Lanka has officially entered into an affiliation with Dubai Tuskers Rugby Football Club, marking a significant milestone in strengthening international rugby collaboration and development between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates.
The partnership is uniquely significant as both clubs were founded by the same visionary figure—Dayan Diddeniya, a dedicated rugby professional and long-standing advocate for the growth of the sport.
Diddeniya established Gampaha RFC in 2007, playing a pivotal role in nurturing and developing rugby within the Gampaha region. Expanding his vision beyond borders, he went on to found Dubai Tuskers RFC in 2023, a club that has since rapidly gained recognition within the UAE rugby community.
This strategic affiliation is designed to create a structured and sustainable pathway for rugby development across both regions. Under the agreement, Gampaha RFC and Dubai Tuskers RFC will collaborate on multiple fronts, including player and coaching development pathways, the sharing of technical knowledge, training methodologies, and resources, as well as exchange programmes and joint rugby initiatives. The partnership also aims to facilitate participation in domestic and international tournaments while strengthening grassroots and youth rugby development.
Officials from both clubs emphasized that the affiliation represents a long-term development initiative rather than a symbolic association. The partnership aligns both organisations under a shared vision focused on rugby excellence, discipline, and holistic player development.
“This partnership reflects the shared values, discipline, and commitment to rugby that both clubs are built upon,” a joint statement noted. “By working together, we aim to create meaningful opportunities for players while contributing to the continued growth of rugby in Sri Lanka and the UAE.”
With the affiliation now formally established, Dubai Tuskers RFC has officially welcomed Gampaha RFC into the Tuskers family. The collaboration reinforces international rugby ties, expands opportunities for players and coaches, and lays the foundation for a growing global rugby network driven by collaboration, shared purpose, and long-term development goals.
