Shane Thornton
Originally from New Zealand, Shane Thornton has called the UAE home for over a decade. With a lifelong passion for rugby, his playing career took him from New Zealand to a stint in the United States before settling in Dubai. Quickly immersing himself in the local rugby scene, Shane contributed both on and off the field—playing and coaching, including with the Arabian Gulf Sevens team and the UAE national fifteens and sevens sides.
Driven by a desire to give back to the sport that shaped him, Shane turned his focus to grassroots development. He founded a club built on the core values of honesty, integrity, and inclusion, creating a welcoming environment where both boys and girls can grow through rugby and netball. Today, his leadership continues to shape a thriving community, supporting the development of sport and character across Dubai.