‘This is where we belong’: UAE target more rugby success after win over South Korea

Matt Mills, the UAE captain, hopes his side can build on their historic win over South Korea by pushing for a runner-up place in the top tier of Asian rugby.

The national team claimed an extraordinary 36-32 comeback win against the touring South Koreans at The Sevens two weekends ago.

It was the first time the representative side have beaten the team from East Asia. It took them to their highest position in the World Rugby rankings, 57, and all but secured their place among the elite of the Asian Rugby Championship for next year.

If they can repeat the outcome against Malaysia, also at The Sevens on Friday, it would potentially seal second place in the competition. That would represent the best finish by a team from the region in the history of the continental competition.

Mills said the national team had discussed between them the potential for making history on their long-awaited return to the top tier.

“We have talked about it but not in a reactive way,” said Mills, the Dubai Exiles flanker.

“We talked about it proactively in the sense of how exciting it is to play against these top teams and that we have the opportunity to do something very special, and that this is where we belong.

“Ultimately, if we are going to belong at this level we need to beat these teams. We talked a lot about it in the build-up to the championship that we have to perform and build something looking ahead to the World Cup qualifier next year.

“The fact we then went on to win created excitement within the team. The coaches managed to remain pretty cool, but the team were buzzing after getting our first win. It is an amazing opportunity for UAE rugby that we can move forward and progress the XVs game.”

@uaerugby will take on Malaysia this