The UAE will be back in the second tier of Asian rugby next season after a crushing 70-18 defeat of Thailand saw them promoted to Division I of the Asia Rugby Championship.

Apollo Perelini’s men made light work of a team that have proven to be a formidable foe in recent seasons, pulling away in the second half to seal promotion in style.

It was a second massive victory in four days for the UAE who had crushed tournament hosts Uzbekistan 65-13 on Wednesday.

Jebel Ali Dragons’ three-quarter Ryno Fourie got the UAE’s first score early on but it was tight contest for the opening 40 minutes, Thailand responding immediately to lead 8-7.

Two tries for another Dragon, Imad Reyal, saw Perelini’s men go in 21-8 at the break and a third Dragon, winger Ian Overton, touched down after the restart in addition to a second Fourie score to put the UAE in command at 35-15.

Dubai Exiles’ Charlie Sargent and Abu Dhabi Saracens’ Matt Hutchings were among the other second-half scorers as the UAE cruised to victory and promotion.