Dubai Exiles RFC

Our warriors have answered the call. 🇦🇪🏉

A huge congratulations to Will Simmonite, Tom Affley, Oisin Fagan, Izzy Sands and Megan Theocharis, who have been selected to represent the UAE in China.

Five Exiles. One incredible opportunity to represent the UAE on the international stage.

Everyone at Dubai Exiles is behind you. Go well and wear the badge with pride! 🔴⚫

🏉 One Team. One Family. One Exiles. 🏐

Introducing our U11 Head Coach for the 2026/27 season, James Cunliffe 🔴⚫🏉

We are delighted to welcome James to Dubai Exiles as Head Coach of our U11s for the new season.

James joins the club with an outstanding coaching background, having worked across community rugby, academy pathways, representative rugby and player development programmes in Yorkshire. His experience includes roles with Leeds Carnegie Junior Academy, York St John University, the Central Yorkshire DPP and Yorkshire Terriers 7s, as well as leading successful senior programmes in England.

Passionate about developing young players, James believes in creating an environment where children are challenged, supported and encouraged to enjoy every aspect of the game. His focus is on helping players build confidence, develop their skills and foster a lifelong love of rugby, while creating a positive and inclusive team culture.

Bringing a wealth of coaching experience and a proven track record in player development, James is a fantastic addition to our Mini & Youth programme, and we are excited to see the impact he will have on our U11s throughout the season.

Please join us in giving James a warm welcome to the Exiles family.

🏉 One Team. One Family. One Exiles. 🏐

Introducing our U10 Head Coach for the 2026/27 season, Shaun Starke 🔴⚫🏉

We are delighted to welcome Shaun back as Head Coach of our U10s for the new season.

Now entering his second season with Dubai Exiles, Shaun has quickly become a valued member of our Mini & Youth coaching team. With more than five years of coaching experience, he is passionate about helping young players develop their rugby skills while building confidence, teamwork, discipline and resilience.

For Shaun, rugby is about much more than the game itself. His coaching philosophy is centred on creating a positive, inclusive and enjoyable environment where every player is encouraged to challenge themselves, make lasting friendships and reach their full potential.

As both a coach and a parent, Shaun understands the importance of creating a rewarding experience for players and families alike. His enthusiasm, commitment and player-first approach make him an invaluable part of the Exiles coaching team.

We are excited to have Shaun leading our U10s and look forward to another fantastic season as he helps the next generation of Exiles players continue their rugby journey.

🏉 One Team. One Family. One Exiles. 🏐

Introducing our U14 Head Coach for the 2026/27 season, Shane Weweje 🔴⚫🏉

As we celebrate our landmark 60th anniversary season, we are delighted to announce Shane Weweje as Head Coach of our U14s.

Now entering his sixth season with Dubai Exiles, Shane has become one of the club’s most respected youth coaches. Having worked closely with this age group over the past three seasons, he steps into the role with a deep understanding of the players and a passion for helping them continue their development.

Originally from South Africa, Shane’s playing career includes representing Border U18s, EP Kings U19s and Santander Rugby in Spain. Since arriving in Dubai, he has also been a key member of our Premiership squad, bringing top-level playing experience into every coaching session.

A UAE Premiership winner, Shane combines high standards with a player-first approach, creating an environment where young players are challenged, supported and inspired to reach their full potential. His sessions are energetic, engaging and focused on developing not only better rugby players, but confident young people.

We are proud to have Shane leading our U14s and look forward to another fantastic season under his guidance.

🏉 One Team. One Family. One Exiles. 🏐