Photo: Rhys Webb finds new purpose (c) Huw Evans
Former Wales scrum-half, Rhys Webb, has embarked on a new journey, shifting his focus to the vibrant development of rugby in the United Arab Emirates.
Webb shared his personal insights into this significant life change: “Throughout my professional rugby career, I had the privilege of traveling the world, and I always found myself drawn to different local cultures and, of course, the favorable weather. For the past decade, my wife, our three sons, and I have made Dubai our regular holiday destination. After retiring from professional rugby, my desire was to return to a sense of normalcy — to enjoy the simple things in life, like leisurely shopping trips, visits to local parks, and quality family time. Dubai immediately struck me as the perfect place: it`s safe, incredibly welcoming, and an ideal environment for our children to grow up. I truly feel settled here now, and I`m able to dedicate all my attention to my kids. This is a common sentiment, and you`ll find many former athletes moving here, seeking that return to a normal, balanced life. I was particularly fortunate to connect with a remarkable individual and entrepreneur, Rob Webb, who offered me an exciting opportunity to lead Eden Rose Middle East. This is a global executive search firm, specializing in financial and professional services. I now serve as a director in this rapidly expanding company, responsible for driving its growth and increasing its impact across the Middle East.”
Webb also commented enthusiastically on the local rugby scene: “The rugby community here in the UAE is exceptionally dynamic. To give you an idea, one club alone boasts over 800 children participating in the sport, and there are numerous other clubs throughout the region actively nurturing young talent. The atmosphere at these clubs is consistently sunny, relaxed, and full of smiles. Everyone is genuinely welcoming and demonstrates a strong drive for continuous improvement — it’s truly striking. They are deeply passionate about the game, focusing intently on skill development, effective recovery, proper nutrition, and ongoing education. Their commitment, both on and off the field, is genuinely inspiring. What’s more, they play a fast-paced, exciting brand of rugby, which is exactly what the sport needs for its future.”
Rhys Webb has also expressed his ambition to act as a crucial link, bridging the rugby communities in Wales and the UAE, with the aim of fostering further exchange of expertise and promoting the continued growth of the game in both regions.
