Jebel Ali Dragons taste UAE Premiership success again after beating Dubai Hurricanes

It might be a while since their voices echoed around a finals day quite so noisily. And some of the faces have changed in the decade since.

West Asia Premiership
Champions: Dubai Tigers
Runners up: Bahrain

UAE Premiership
Champions: Jebel Ali Dragons
Runners up: Dubai Hurricanes

UAE Division 1
Champions: Dubai Sharks
Runners up: Abu Dhabi Harlequins II

UAE Division 2
Champions: Dubai Tigers III
Runners up: Dubai Sharks II

Dubai Sevens
Champions: Dubai Tigers
Runners up: Dubai Hurricanes

But, 10 years on from the last time they raised the UAE Premiership trophy, one thing remains the same: Jebel Ali Dragons’ supporters are still the loudest.

At the end of a day that encapsulated all the best of rugby in this country, the Dragons were able to celebrate a return to winning ways.

They beat Dubai Hurricanes 25-11 in the UAE Premiership final, and started a rowdy party in Al Ain in the process.

“For our club as a community to have a day like this, it is insane,” said Bradley Janes, the Dragons captain. “Our support is amazing, and it has been all year. We have a community of hundreds of people who, even if they are not first-team players, it doesn’t matter.

“It gives you so much motivation when you hear that. If you are getting off the deck having just been smashed, it helps you to get up and go again.

“It is amazing to do it for them. I am so proud to be part of this club, and it is not just for the players but the supporters as well.”

It was a day of triumph for UAE rugby as a whole, not just the Dragons. Most notably, Al Ain Amblers proved the perfect hosts.

Between 8.30am and 10pm on Saturday, the club staged 27 cup finals at various levels and age-groups.

By the end of the best part of 14 hours of rugby, despite the