In a remarkable turnaround from last year’s performance, the Royal Tuskers, representing Royal College’s Old Boys in the UAE, secured the Plate Finals victory in the Gulf Men’s Social category at the 2024 Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens. The tournament, held at the iconic Sevens Stadium in Dubai, attracted thousands of spectators across three days of intense competition.
The Tuskers demonstrated exceptional improvement from their debut last year, where they faced several defeats, to now winning all but one match this season. Their campaign culminated in a commanding 28-17 victory over the Warriors Barbarians in the Plate Finals, following impressive wins against DITH Barrelhouse Barbarians (26-7) in the quarter-finals and Blue Falcons Rugby Club (28-12) in the semi-finals.
“This victory belongs to everyone who supported us throughout our journey,” said Team Captain Dayan Diddeniya. “The tremendous backing from our sponsors, the unwavering support of our fans, and the dedication of our manager, coaching staff, players, and the ORUAE Committee have made this historic achievement possible. We’ve shown what Sri Lankan rugby talent can achieve on an international stage.”
The President of Old Royalists in the UAE (ORUAE), Shihan Sheriff, expressed immense pride in the team’s achievement: “This victory represents more than just a sporting success; it’s a testament to the Royal College spirit and the dedication of our alumni community in the UAE. The Royal Tuskers have set a new standard for school alumni teams competing and winning internationally.”
ORUAE Patron Danika Gamage lauded the historic achievement, while Team Manager Uthpala Ranatunga shared his thoughts on the victory: “This win reflects months of rigorous preparation and unwavering commitment from every team member. The team showed exceptional dedication, from our weekly training sessions to detailed tactical planning. Special mention goes to our entire team who worked tirelessly to transform our game plan from last year. This victory isn’t just about the tournament; it’s about proving that with proper preparation and unity, Sri Lankan rugby can compete at international standards.”
The team’s success was made possible through the strong support of their sponsorship network. Principal Sponsor Spider Plus Construction Equipment Trading LLC led the way, alongside Main Sponsor IMM Consult and Co-Sponsor Tap Tap Send. Additional backing came from Thambapanni Restaurants, Lion Beer, and ORUAE Platinum Sponsor Siraj Finance, with thepapare.com serving as the official media partner.
The victorious Royal Tuskers squad consisted of:
Dayan Diddeniya (Captain)
Arshad Jamaldeen (Vice-Captain)
Chamara Dabare
Janidu Dilshan
Hasantha Mihidukulasuriya
Dulara Danusha
Naleesha Hettiarachchi
Yaaseen Yusuf
Dickson Anthony
Dinusha Lakshitha
Akbo Perera
Hashan Maduranga
Under the guidance of Team Manager Uthpala Ranatunga, Coach Jason Brown, and Fitness Coach Sudesh Rohana Thennakoon, the team showcased remarkable improvement in their gameplay and strategy. Vice-Captain Arshad Jamaldeen’s leadership also proved crucial to their success.
The Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens, renowned as one of the most prestigious rugby tournaments in the Middle East and the world, featured teams from across the globe competing in various categories. The Royal Tuskers’ victory marks them as the first Sri Lankan school alumni team to achieve such significant success at an international rugby tournament, setting a new benchmark for school alumni teams in global competitions.
This achievement not only highlights the growing presence of Sri Lankan rugby on the international stage but also showcases the potential of school alumni teams to compete at high-level tournaments. The victory at the Dubai Rugby Sevens stands as a testament to the team’s resilience, determination, and the strong support system behind their success.
