Dubai Exiles, Get to Know them

Dubai Exiles Rugby: From a Palm Tree Seed to a Global Rugby Hub, Now Building Ties in Kenya

The Dubai Exiles Rugby Football Club (DERFC), though guests in the Kenyan rugby space, boasts a rich history dating back to the late 1960s. Rooted in Dubai, they’ve grown from humble beginnings into a prominent club with a strong international presence.

Sprouted from a Palm Tree

The Exiles’ story is an unexpected one. Unlike the typical oak tree metaphor, theirs begins with a palm tree planted on the banks of Dubai Creek. Back then, they played against British military teams on pitches provided by the military themselves. This early camaraderie laid the foundation for a club that would value hospitality and sportsmanship above all else.

Finding their Ground and Building a Legacy

As their ambitions grew, the Exiles sought their own pitch and a name. With the support of the Dubai Municipality and the then Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, they secured a plot of land, marking the birth of their official ground. The club flourished, attracting more players and establishing a committee and a clubhouse. This wasn’t just about creating a space for games; it was about building a community.

Blooming into a Rugby Oasis

By the 1970s, the Exiles were playing teams across the UAE and beyond. They were instrumental in the establishment of the Benson and Hedges Dubai 7s, which has grown into a major fixture in the prestigious HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. Throughout the 80s and 90s, the club continued to expand, adding more pitches, a larger clubhouse, and concrete stands to accommodate their growing following. They even achieved a significant milestone in 1999 by hosting the inaugural games of the IRB World Sevens Series.

A New Chapter: Facing Challenges and Hospitality Abroad

In 2007, the Exiles faced a major hurdle when they lost their long-held grounds due to Dubai’s rapid urban development. This could have been a crippling blow, but the Exiles’ spirit of resilience shone through. Fortunately, Emirates Airline and Dubai College stepped in, providing them with a new home at the state-of-the-art “The Sevens” stadium. This adaptability has allowed them to continue nurturing their sport and fostering a welcoming environment.

A Commitment to Giving Back: Building Bridges with Kenya Harlequins

The Exiles haven’t forgotten their core values of hospitality and building connections. They’ve reached out and built a partnership with Kenya Harlequins RFC, a fellow rugby club rich in history. This connection started with an exchange program where young Nathan Ochola, a Kenyan member of the Exiles’ U13 team, trained with the Harlequins during his summer break. This blossomed into a heartwarming “boot exchange” where the Exiles collected over 300 pairs of boots for the Harlequins players, demonstrating their commitment to giving back to the game they love.

The Dubai Exiles in Kenya: More Than Just Visitors

While Dubai Exiles are a newcomer in the Kenyan rugby scene, they bring a rich tapestry of history, camaraderie, and a love for the game. Their partnership with Kenya Harlequins highlights their unwavering commitment to fostering connections across borders and giving back to the sport that has given them so much. The Exiles stand as a testament to the enduring power of community, hospitality, and the ability to adapt and grow in the face of challenges. Their presence in Kenya is not just about playing the game; it’s about building bridges and enriching the sport on a global scale.