DUBAI // Xodus Wasps have followed the lead of Abu Dhabi Harlequins by withdrawing from the 2015 Rugby League Cup.
Harlequins, the defending champions, signalled their intention not to participate on Monday, citing the uncertainty over the game’s governance and summer heat as reasons.
The UAE Rugby Federation, the sole government-endorsed ruling body for rugby in the country, had announced at the start of the week their intention to restart the competition.
It was suspended with two matches still to play after Sol Mokdad, who had been organising the competition and overseeing the development of league, was arrested.
The UAERF has assembled a new committee to oversee league, with the final round-robin match between Wasps and Dubai Sharks rescheduled for May 29.
With Harlequins withdrawing, the way was clear for Wasps to contest the rearranged final with Al Ain Amblers on Friday June 5.
However, with the Rugby League International Federation’s campaign to have a separate league body recognised by the General Authority of Youth and Sport Welfare ongoing, Wasps have also opted not to participate.
“Xodus Wasps was keen to complete the rugby league season this year and following the formation of a new UAE Rugby League committee, that looked to be possible,” said Craig Gibson, the club’s chairman.
“Unfortunately, a combination of factors has concluded the possibility of continuing rugby league in the UAE in its current state.”
Gibson pointed to the disparity in messages from the separate ruling bodies as a reason to step away from the competition.
He also suggested the “fast-tracked formation of the new UAE Rugby League committee” brought inherent challenges, “as has rugby league player despondency, following the political uncertainty”.
“Xodus Wasps consider rugby league in the UAE to be in its infancy, but there is certainly strong potential for growth, once the relevant parties have agreed a pathway for its development,” Gibson said.
“I believe due diligence, greater awareness and better management will allow rugby league to flourish in the UAE.
“That requires transparency in strategy and for all the concerned parties to be properly engaged by the governing bodies.”
pradley@thenational.ae
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Timeline
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May 2017
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September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
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December 2024
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May 2025
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July 2025
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August 2025
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October 2025
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November 2025
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Some of Darwish's last words
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His life in brief: Born in a village near Galilee, he lived in exile for most of his life and started writing poetry after high school. He was arrested several times by Israel for what were deemed to be inciteful poems. Most of his work focused on the love and yearning for his homeland, and he was regarded the Palestinian poet of resistance. Over the course of his life, he published more than 30 poetry collections and books of prose, with his work translated into more than 20 languages. Many of his poems were set to music by Arab composers, most significantly Marcel Khalife. Darwish died on August 9, 2008 after undergoing heart surgery in the United States. He was later buried in Ramallah where a shrine was erected in his honour.
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