Dubai Tuskers name Gampaha RFC as official affiliated club
Gampaha Rugby Football Club (RFC) officially entered into an affiliation with Dubai Tuskers RFC, marking a significant step toward strengthening international rugby collaboration and development between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates. The affiliation is uniquely significant as both rugby clubs were founded by Dayan Diddeniya, a dedicated rugby professional and long-standing advocate for the growth of the sport.
Dayan Diddeniya
Diddeniya established Gampaha RFC in 2007, playing a key role in developing rugby within the Gampaha region of Sri Lanka. Expanding his vision internationally, he went on to found Dubai Tuskers RFC in 2023, a club that has rapidly gained recognition within the UAE rugby community.
This strategic partnership aims to create a structured pathway for rugby development across both regions while through the affiliation the clubs will collaborate on certain key areas. Among them are player and coaching development pathways, sharing of technical knowledge, training methodologies, and resources, exchange programmes and joint rugby initiatives, participation in domestic and international tournaments and strengthening grassroots and youth rugby development.
Officials from both clubs highlighted that this affiliation represents a long-term development initiative rather than a symbolic association, aligning both organisations under a shared vision for rugby excellence.
“This partnership reflects the shared values, discipline, and commitment to rugby that both clubs are built upon. By working together, we aim to create meaningful opportunities for players while contributing to the continued growth of rugby in Sri Lanka and the UAE,” a joint statement said.
With the affiliation now formalised, Dubai Tuskers RFC officially welcomes Gampaha RFC into the Tuskers family—reinforcing international ties, expanding opportunities, and building a global rugby network driven by collaboration and shared purpose.