Founded in 1982 in the UAE, Barrelhouse Rugby Club was initially formed to compete at the Dubai Rugby 7’s to play. However, such is the popularity of the club, the team now has players from all over the world in the pink jersey.
The club has expanded their academy to realise a vision of teaching young children all the great attributes of rugby, specifically team work, respect and inclusiveness, while coaching the children in the correct techniques and skills needed to play competitive rugby. The club has adopted the All Black philosophy of, ‘hands on ball time’and their sessions ensure that children spend the majority of the time with a ball in hand, learning how it feels, familiarising themselves with how it moves in the air and on the ground, and most importantly constantly growing in confidence with how to play with the ball.
Standing out: Members wear pink in support of breast cancer charities
The team play in the unique pink kit in support of breast cancer patients in memory of members of the Barrelhouse family lost to breast cancer and over the years. Club members also don a pink Tilley Hat, which is uniquely embroidered with the member’s club number and name.
Off the field, the Barrelhouse social club has grown to over 400 members, families and children attend events, from pre-season functions, to annual AGM’s. Recently a member’s daughter fell ill and the club raised money for her treatment and provided the family with emotional support. The daughter has beaten her illness and is once again on the sidelines, cheering her dad on at matches.
All ages: The club encourages those young and old to get involved
Over the years, Barrelhouse has gathered a long list of accolades and silverware including winning the AGRFU competition and the Gulf Men’s Social and the Vets division. The club has expanded to play in the Eden Park Rugby 7’s series in the build up to the Dubai Rugby 7’s, various 10’s tournaments and they have embarked on many international tours. Recently Barrelhouse entered the community league of the UAERF, finishing unbeaten in the league stage, they went on to play in the final losing in a hotly contested game with the Jebal Ali Dragons.
Winners: The club won the AGRFU competition and the Gulf Men’s Social and the Vets division
Rugby has long been considered a Barbarians game played by Gentlemen, and that is something that the club embrace. Barrelhouse has steadily grown to over 50 active players forming the base of the club. These players are attracted to the Barrelhouse style of play, which is fluid, fast moving, and about avoiding contact and looking for space to exploit the gaps.
For more information and to sign up visit www.barrelhouserugby.club