It’s late. Very late.
Yes, I know — this happened during the Dubai Rugby Sevens in late November 2025, and yes, we are now well past that point. But between work, travel, packing, flying, unpacking, and finally landing back in South Africa for a short break, this post had to wait its turn. The upside? I’m on holiday now, the pace has slowed, and it’s time for a bit of blog catch-up.

There are very few things that can reliably pull a teacher away from their carefully curated routines. A public holiday helps. A long weekend helps more. But an event that combines rugby, global crowds, sunshine, and the promise of organised chaos? That seals the deal.

This year’s Dubai Rugby Sevens did not disappoint.

After a relatively civil drive up from Abu Dhabi (civil, at least, by UAE standards), we arrived in Dubai with just enough time to drop bags, take a deep breath, and remind ourselves that this was, in fact, meant to be a break. Our base for the long weekend was the Grand Vogo Hotel, formerly known as the Grand Western Hotel. It turned out to be an excellent choice — comfortable, well-located, and calm enough to recover from long days in the sun. It struck a good balance between practicality and a sense of occasion.

Getting to the stadium was refreshingly straightforward. A taxi ride from the hotel to The Sevens Stadium took about 30 minutes, traffic depending, which made the early starts and late returns far more manageable than expected.

The Sevens itself was everything it usually is, and then some. Rugby was obviously at the heart of it — fast, physical, skilful, and relentless — but anyone who has been before knows the sport is only half the story. The stands were alive from early morning, and by midday the place had transformed into a festival that just happened to have world-class rugby unfolding in the background.

Between matches, there was sport in every direction you looked. Touch rugby, netball, fitness events, and various demonstrations competed for attention. Music stages ran constantly, food trucks worked overtime, and there was a steady hum of conversation from people who had clearly decided that this weekend was not the one for moderation.

One particularly noticeable feature of the weekend was the strong South African expat presence. Green and gold jerseys were everywhere, familiar accents carried across the stands, and there was an unmistakable sense of shared identity that made supporting the Blitzboks feel communal rather than solitary. It was a reminder of just how far South Africans travel — and how quickly they find one another — especially when rugby is involved.

As a South African supporter, there was the familiar mix of optimism and realism. The Blitzboks showed flashes of their trademark pace and creativity — moments that reminded everyone why they are so dangerous on their day — but consistency proved elusive across the tournament. Some matches felt comfortably in control, others slipped away through small errors that are brutally exposed in the sevens format. It wasn’t the dominant showing many of us quietly hoped for, but it was competitive, honest rugby, and the crowd support never wavered.

What struck me most, though, was the atmosphere. Despite the size of the event, it never felt aggressive or overwhelming. It was loud, yes. Busy, absolutely. But it was also surprisingly good-natured. Strangers chatted easily, groups mingled without effort, and there was a shared understanding that everyone was there for the same reason: to enjoy the moment.

By the final day, voices were hoarse, legs were tired, and the sun had left its mark on anyone who underestimated it. And yet, there was that familiar reluctance to leave — the feeling that comes when an experience has been just full enough without tipping into exhaustion.

Heading back, I found myself reflecting (as usual) on how these moments slot into the bigger picture. Teaching has a way of compressing time. Weeks blur, deadlines stack, and it’s easy to forget the value of stepping out of routine. Weekends like this don’t just provide entertainment; they reset perspective.

So yes — rugby was watched, energy was thoroughly spent, and the sun certainly made its presence known. And now, back in South Africa, finally paused long enough to write this, I can say with confidence:

Worth it.