History
Potbellied rugby started life in Hong Kong 12 years ago and our founder-club there, 'The Hong Kong Potbellied Pigs ' has quickly grown to become one of the most famous touring invitational rugby clubs within Asia. Our Hon President is Ex-Lion, Ex-England and Barbarians, Jeff Probyn
Our aim has always been to revive the spirit and camaraderie that rugby was famous for before the professional era. In doing so we have also committed to help develop rugby in countries not normally associated with rugby union with some excellent results. Along the way we have organised our own charity rugby tournaments in impoverished areas to both develop the game and support local charities.
The Potbellies attend rugby tournaments all over the world and occasionally invite ex-international players to join them. Ex-international players from Australia, New Zealand, England and Wales have worn Potbellies colours in various tournaments.
Potbellied Rugby in Dubai and the Emirates Dubai international 7s
in early 2007 our latest Potbellied club, “The Arabian Potbellies”, was formed in Dubai and it has hit the ground running and quickly become an Associate Member of the Arabian Gulf Rugby Union.
In 2007/8 the Arabian Potbellies have already participated in the AGFRU Gulf Cup competition , the Emirates Airlines Dubai Rugby Festival, The Bahrain 10s, The Borneo Cobra 10s the Manila rugby 10s, and lastly our own Potbellied charity tournament 'The Fat Boys 10s' which is held annually in Angeles City, Philippines
The Arabian Potbellies in our first season managed to field three senior men’s teams in the 2007 Emirates Airline Dubai rugby festival. Our teams played in the Gulf 7s, Gulf Veterans 10s and International Veterans 10s (the Int. Vets 10s played under the name of the Bali Legends to honour players who died in the 2002 Bali bombings)
The Dubai rugby festival is host to several categories of rugby tournaments the most famous of which is the International 7s where the world’s best, rugby players compete. There are numerous other competition categories ranging from international invitational teams in both 7s and 10s formats through to Arabian Gulf regional club and social teams again in 7s, and 10s formats. Each category is further split into men’s U19, Senior and Veterans competitions and also women’s rugby is represented strongly and fast developing.
In 2008 we will be fielding teams in 4 categories, the U19, Senior and Veterans competitions as well as the International Veterens with our 'select' team the Bali Legends. We may eventually field two teams in the Gulf Veterans 10s category, if our numbers (and the tournament organisers) permit it.