Rugby community excited

Dubai: The unveiling of an impressive new home for rugby in Dubai has been greeted with enthusiasm by local officials and clubs.

The Arabian Gulf RFU, to be headquartered in the new complex, chairman David Skidmore said: "While we're sad to see the Exiles ground go, and all the memories it holds, we can look to the future knowing that the new facility will be extremely important to the development of rugby here and in the Middle East.

"It's fantastic news for the clubs and also for the union. We're in very cramped conditions and the new purpose-built facilities will give us a chance to grow."

Administrative structures are still being discussed, but the three major Dubai-based clubs - the Exiles, Dragons and Hurricanes - will all be based at the new centre.

Dubai Exiles chairman Steve Blackburn said: "We are looking after the future of rugby in Dubai, not just the Dubai Exiles.

"Rugby will carry on here, and the facilities will be better than those we enjoy now, and there will also be more pitches.

"One key element in all the discussions we have had is the fact that all the sports currently accommodated at the Exiles will also move to the new ground. That was very important."