Schools Rugby Development Programme
Every journey starts somewhere.Ours starts at school.
Since 2012, UAE Rugby Federation has developed a pathway through schools, working with education partners and supported by HSBC to give boys and girls opportunities to learn, play and progress.
Programme leadership & delivery
Education collaboration
Programme support & sponsorship
Building the foundations of the game
The schools development pathway connects an introduction to rugby with skills development, teacher education and opportunities to compete. Federation activities help identify talent and create routes for further progression.
Discover the game
School activities and festivals introduce boys and girls to rugby and its fundamental skills.
Develop educators
Teacher and coach education, supported by learning resources, helps sustain participation at school.
Compete and progress
School competitions provide experience and opportunities for the Federation to follow emerging talent.
A milestone that changed the school pathway
The inclusion of rugby in physical education during the 2017–2018 academic year marked a defining milestone. On 18 January 2018, World Rugby announced an agreement between UAE Rugby Federation and the Ministry of Education to include Get Into Rugby in the school curriculum.
Learning resources and teacher education supported the programme. World Rugby reported more than 400 teachers trained in a single day, while May 2018 coverage documented six courses involving 36 education professionals.
In 2022, collaboration with Emirates Schools Establishment was announced, including the provision of rugby equipment to schools.
School ambition.The Dubai 7s stage.
As part of Emirates Dubai 7s, the national schools competition gives young players a memorable competitive experience within a major rugby festival, showcasing the work that begins in schools.
A documented first
The first national schools tournament at the event featured eight educational institutions.
Al Maarif take the title
Al Maarif defeated Al Ain Schools 19–15 on the main pitch.
An ongoing school presence
48 Cycle 3 boys at the national schools competition in each year’s Federation report.
A school competition within the wider Dubai 7s festival, separate from international HSBC SVNS matches. Historical coverage includes different educational institutions; public-school status is identified for each documented participation.
Participation builds confidence and belonging
Girls are an important part of school development. In October 2023, festivals for public-school girls were announced with Emirates Schools Establishment and World Rugby alongside WXV3, involving a stated 1,200-plus students over three weeks.
Federation reports also document boys’ and girls’ festivals across school cycles, supporting broader participation and a sustainable base for the game.
Milestones that build a future
The player pathway begins
The Federation’s comprehensive report records the programme launch in 2012, with a focus on school participation and Emirati talent.
2012 — The player pathway begins
The Federation’s comprehensive report records the programme launch in 2012, with a focus on school participation and Emirati talent.
2013 — Schools at Dubai 7s
The first national schools tournament brought eight educational institutions connected to the pathway into the festival.
2017–18 — Rugby in the curriculum
Education collaboration led to inclusion in physical education, followed by the World Rugby announcement in January 2018.
2022 — Education collaboration
The Federation and Emirates Schools Establishment announced cooperation to support school sport and provide equipment.
2023–25 — Festivals and competitions
Reports document activities for boys and girls and continued school participation at Dubai 7s.
2026 — Development continues
The Federation board reviewed school development and smaller competitions as part of its pathway work with HSBC.
Documented community activity
This archive covers Federation activity across schools, universities and the community. These figures are not exclusive to the schools programme.
These indicators cover Federation activity across schools, universities and the community. Figures do not necessarily represent unique individuals and should not be combined as a total of programme students.
Participation in pictures
Official photographs of school students at the rugby festival and Dubai 7s Public Schools Championship, together with school development archive images.
Boys and girls at the school rugby festivalDubai 7s Public Schools Championship action
Skills and competition in the festival atmosphere
The schools team at the Dubai 7s festival
An action moment from the schools competitionGirls participating in school development activityInformation for schools and families
How can a school enquire about participation?
Contact UAE Rugby Federation to discuss available activities, opportunities and participation requirements. Dates and arrangements are confirmed by the Federation team.
Does the pathway include boys and girls?
Yes. Federation reports document activities and festivals for boys and girls across different school cycles.
How does the schools event relate to Dubai 7s?
The national schools tournament is a school competition within the wider festival. It is separate from international national-team fixtures.
Are the community figures schools-only numbers?
No. The attached reports cover schools, universities and community activity, and the page labels this scope explicitly.
We can help your school begin its rugby journey.
For school activities, festivals, training and participation opportunities, contact the rugby development team directly.
