With new teams entering the UAE rugby scene, it raises an interesting question: is this a blessing for the game, or could it become a curse?
This season alone we’ve seen new additions across all levels. In senior rugby, a second Tuskers side and the Knights, both based out of Dubai, are joining the league. In the women’s game, the UUDS Tuskers have entered the competition, while in the junior space we’re seeing teams like the Broncos and Lions popping up.
On paper, the answer seems simple: more teams equals more competition, more players, and more opportunities. That has to be good for the game, right?
Well, not always.
The real issue lies in where these players are coming from. If these new teams are bringing fresh talent into rugby—players who otherwise wouldn’t have been involved—then it’s a huge win for the region. But if they’re simply pulling players away from existing clubs, it risks thinning squads and weakening the overall competition.
Take the new senior sides. Could the second Tuskers side have instead joined under the UUDS Tuskers banner as a second XV, building squad depth and allowing more players to play? Could the Knights have strengthened an existing club like Shaheen, who may face depth challenges stepping into the Premiership? These are valid questions, especially after seeing teams withdraw and numbers fluctuate in recent seasons.
On the positive side, the addition of UUDS Tuskers in the women’s competition looks like a major boost. It adds another competitive side and pushes clubs like Harlequins, Hurricanes, and Phoenix to raise their standards.
The junior game is perhaps the trickiest. Representative and elite academy teams are important for player development, but not if it comes at the cost of club rugby. Clubs rely heavily on junior memberships—not just for developing talent, but for helping sustain their senior programs through recruitment and retention.
So, are new teams a blessing or a curse?
Right now, it feels like both. Growth is vital, but sustainable growth is what really matters.
