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Kukri Sports Reflects on a Year of Global Growth and Partner Success

As 2025 comes to a close, Kukri Sports is reflecting on a year of real progress, strengthened partnerships and continued commitment to supporting athletes worldwide.

Sustained Growth Across Global Partnerships:

Throughout the year, Kukri welcomed over 25 new partnerships and renewed over 15 long-standing partnerships worldwide. These developments reflect the brand’s commitment to delivering innovative, performance-driven sportswear to teams from grassroots to elite.

A key milestone in 2025 was the formation of a strategic partnership with Sportz88, helping to support Kukri’s long-term ambitions to enhance its presence and capabilities across Europe.

New partnerships spanned multiple regions, including Australia Cycling, British Rowing, Volleyball England, Dubai Hurricanes and Hong Kong Squash.

Key partnership renewals also included Team England, Commonwealth Games Canada, England Athletics and British Wheelchair Basketball, all of which highlight the brand’s reputation as a trusted sportswear supplier for hundreds of different sports.

The ambassador programme also expanded, welcoming two inspirational athletes – nine-time Paralympic champion Hannah Cockroft, and Britain’s first-ever tumbling World Games champion Megan Kealy.

Celebrating Partner Achievements:

Across 2025, many Kukri partners recorded notable achievements and milestones, including:

– Dubai College: U19 Girls rugby team were crowned Gulf Dubai 7s champions.

– Dubai Hurricanes: Men’s team were crowned Gulf Men’s League Champions at the Dubai 7s.

– Somerset CCC: Vitality Blast champions and inaugural season for the women’s team.

– British Rowing: World Rowing Cup winners and successful defence of European Championship title.

– Loughborough University: Won their 44th consecutive BUCS title.

– British Wheelchair Basketball: Silver medals for both squads at the IWBF European Championships.

– Loughborough Lightning: NXT Gen team secured their first-ever NSL title, with the senior team reaching their fifth consecutive grand final.

– UBC Women’s Rugby: Crowned back-to-back U Sports Women’s Rugby national champions.

– Waikato Rugby: FPC squad claimed back-to-back Premiership titles.

– Australia Cycling: Squads triumphed at this year’s UCI Track World Championships, with the men’s team winning silver and the women’s team winning a team sprint bronze medal for the second consecutive year.

These achievements reflect the dedication of the athletes and support teams Kukri works alongside and the collaborative approach taken to performance apparel.

Commitment to Inclusivity, Community & Athlete Development:

Kukri continued its commitment to EDI and community impact through several initiatives, including:

– Supporting Belfast City Marathon with official participant and training kit

– Designing adaptable kit for Oshawa Vikings’ mixed ability squads competing in Spain

– Creating bespoke kit for the 26 Mountains 2 Mayo challenge in support of Cancer Fund for Children

– Ongoing support for Dubai 7s supplying bespoke sportswear for over 25 partner teams

– Strengthening off-field support for schools and universities through hardship funds, internships and ambassador opportunities

Looking Ahead to 2026:

Heading into 2026, Kukri is preparing for another positive year, including supporting partners competing at the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

Continued investment in product development, service enhancement and global operations will remain central to the brand’s focus.

Andy Ronnie, Group CEO at Kukri Sports, said “2025 has been a year of steady progress across the business. From welcoming new partners to supporting long-standing relationships, we’re proud of the work our teams have delivered.

“As we look to 2026, our commitment remains the same: to support athletes and organisations with reliable, high-quality sportswear and to keep building on the foundations we’ve set.”

Chris Marshall, Group COO added, “This year has highlighted the value of strong relationships and operational consistency. Our teams globally have continued to refine processes and enhance service levels to ensure our partners receive the support they expect. We look forward to developing this further in 2026.”

For teams, organisations and institutions seeking a high-performance, athlete-focused sportswear partner, find out more and get in touch with us today.

Kukri Sports Partners Shine At Dubai Sevens Tournament

Trophies lifted, finals reached and standout performances across rugby and netball as Kukri’s partner schools and clubs shine on the Dubai stage.

This year’s Emirates Dubai Sevens tournament, held from 29 November to 1 December, delivered another unforgettable weekend of sport, excitement and elite competition.

As a long-standing partner to a variety of schools and clubs in the Middle East, Kukri proudly supported its teams with customised sportswear designed to meet the demands of different sports.

Kukri partners competing at this year’s tournament included Dubai Hurricanes, Bahrain RFC, Dubai College, Jebel Ali School, Dubai British School, The British School Al Khubairat (BSAK), Repton Dubai and The Club.

Across rugby and netball, more than 25 Kukri partner teams shone throughout the tournament.

Partner Performance Highlights

Dubai Hurricanes

Dubai Hurricanes delivered one of their strongest Dubai Sevens campaigns in recent years.

Their men’s rugby side were crowned Gulf Men’s League champions in a thrilling all-Kukri final against Bahrain RFC, while the women’s first rugby team reached the final, narrowly missing out on silverware to Abu Dhabi Harlequins.

Bahrain RFC:

Bahrain RFC enjoyed an impressive tournament across three sports, entering six competitive squads.

The Colts rugby team captured the Bowl Championship, while the 1st XV men’s rugby team narrowly missed out on the title.

Their junior netball side also excelled, earning a place as Bowl finalists after a strong campaign.

Dubai College:

Dubai College produced a standout performance across all age groups. Their third netball team were crowned Gulf Youth Aspire Netball champions, while the U19 girls’ rugby squad lifted the Gulf championship after a 14-12 victory over DESS College.

Amal, captain of Dubai College’s Netball third team, said, “My experience at Dubai Sevens this year was phenomenal.

“The atmosphere was great, motivation me to push myself even further. Hearing the final whistle in our last match and celebrating together really captured our team spirit and dedication.”

She added, “Support from partners like Kukri plays a key role in our success. Having high-quality kit we feel comfortable in gives us confidence on court to perform.”

Jess Harris, Dubai College Girls Rugby player said, “Running onto the pitch in front of a crowd of 15,000 people was surreal.

“Lifting the trophy after years of falling just short made the victory incredibly emotional.”

Jebel Ali School:

Jebel Ali School continued their strong development with competitive performances across both sports.

Their U19 boys’ rugby team reached the quarter-finals, while their netball team secured 7th place overall after progressing to the Plate semi-final.

BSAK:

BSAK performed strongly across all competitions. Their Gulf U19 boys’ rugby team reached the play-off semi-final, the girls’ rugby squad also progressed to the semi-finals, and their netball team finished as play-off finalists in the Gulf Youth Aspire tournament.

Repton Dubai:

Repton Dubai continued to build momentum at the Dubai Sevens, competing with two teams across rugby and netball.

Their netball squad impressed with a run to the semi-final in the Gulf Youth Aspire competition, while their U19 boys’ rugby team lost out in an all-Kukri Plate quarter-final against BSAK.

The Club:

The Club’s rugby sevens team delivered a spirited performance in the Gulf Men’s social competition, winning their first three matches to progress to the quarter-final before losing out to Dubai Warriors.

Celebrating partnership & performance

Chris Marshall, Group COO at Kukri Sports, said “Seeing our partner teams excel at this year’s tournament has been fantastic.

“Their performances embody the passion and resilience that the tournament is renowned for. We’re proud to support them with bespoke, high-quality apparel that helps them feel confident and empowered on one of the Middle Easts’ biggest sporting stages.”

Kukri Sports congratulates all partner schools and clubs for their outstanding achievements at the 2025 Dubai Sevens.

Are you looking for a new sportswear partner? Get in touch with us today.

Kukri Sports Powers Multi-Sport Excellence at Dubai Sevens

Kukri Sports is delighted to celebrate its significant presence at this year’s Emirates Dubai Sevens tournament, equipping a diverse roster of partners across rugby, netball and cricket.

Held at The Sevens Stadium from 28-30 November, the tournament brings together rugby, netball and cricket teams from across the region in an action-packed few days of sport, skill and community.

Kukri is proud to have over ten partners competing, equipping them with high-performance, bespoke kits and training wear across multiple sports, tailored to their unique demands.

This year’s participation builds upon recent successes for partners in the tournament, including Dubai College winning the U19 Gulf Cup and Jebel Ali School’s rugby team reaching the Plate Final last year.

Equipping Teams Across Multiple Sports

Dubai Hurricanes, among other participating teams, will compete in customised, high-quality kits across rugby, netball and cricket, while also showcasing their new off-field merchandise collection.

Each design reflects the team’s heritage, identity and performance requirements, ensuring players of all ages are equipped to look and perform at their best.

These seamless operations are supported by strong collaboration with UK print factories, guaranteeing product quality and flexible delivery timelines.

Celebrating Long-Term Partnerships

Long-standing relationships with partners such as Bahrain RFC, Dubai College and BSAK highlight Kukri’s commitment to supplying high-quality kits while fostering athlete development and sporting success.

Kukri will also have new partners in the competition, including Repton Dubai and Sharq Netball, who will be competing in the tournament for the first time.

“Witnessing our partner teams competing across different sports at this year’s Dubai Sevens is fantastic to see. It encompasses everything we are as a brand worldwide, capturing every teams’ identity and our shared passion for sport,” said Chris Marshall, Group COO at Kukri Sports.

“Our collaborations reflect the depth of our relationships in the region that we are continuing to grow. It’s not just about supplying premium apparel, but for us it’s also about supporting communities, celebrating athletes and providing bespoke solutions for every team we work with.”

Find out more about the Dubai Sevens

INSPIRING TOP TIPS FROM PARA-ATHLETES

In celebration of the determination, resilience and passion that define para-sport, Kukri Sports has brought together the voices of inspiring para-athletes to share their top tips for those starting out in their sporting journey.

 Offering insight, encouragement and advice drawn from their own experiences, these tips highlight the power of perseverance and the importance of community within sport.

Through its ongoing ‘Beyond Limits Together’ campaign, Kukri has shown its continued support and commitment to para-athletes – showcasing inspiring individuals from grassroots to international level who continue to break barriers and motivate the next generation.

Hannah Cockroft CBE – 9x Paralympic Champion

A true icon of para-sport, Kukri ambassador Hannah Cockroft CBE has become one of Britain’s most decorated athletes.

Recently adding two more world titles in the T34 100m and 400m, setting a new championship record and securing her 18th world title at the World Para Athletic Championships, she continues to inspire through her success and passion for helping others discover their potential.

“Try everything, you never know where you’ll find your passion. I tried so many sports before discovering wheelchair racing, and it completely changed my life.

“Don’t expect success straight away. Every performance requires hours and hours of practice. Trust the process and do the work because the end result is worth it.

“Ask questions, lean on others and don’t be afraid to give it everything. Don’t be afraid of putting 100% in, I hear so many athletes say they wish they’d tried harder,” she said.

“If you don’t go for it, you’ll never know and that gold medal could be in that last 1%! So don’t fear hard work, it’s so satisfying to sit back and be able to say that you gave it your absolute best.”

Amy Thompson – F41 Para Shot-Put Athlete

A rising star in British para-athletics, Kukri ambassador Amy Thompson’s journey is one of dedication and perseverance.

Having made her international debut at the World Para Athletics Championships, she continues to push boundaries and inspire others.

“Don’t be afraid to compete alongside able-bodied athletes. It can be easy to compare yourself, but focus on your own progress and achievements within your category as that’s what matters most,” she explained.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Finding competitions or the right equipment can be tough, so reach out to coaches or fellow athletes for advice. There’s always support if you’re willing to ask.”

Elana Brand – Wheelchair Basketball Athlete, Loughborough University

Elana Brand, who helped Loughborough Lightning Wheelchair Basketball team finish runners-up in the Women’s Premier League last season, shares her perspective on trying new things and finding your passion.

“The best piece of advice I would give to someone is just to give everything a go because eventually you will find something you love and then stick with it,” she said.

Terry Bywater – British Wheelchair Basketball Senior Men’s

Terry Bywater, a senior member of the British Wheelchair Basketball team and 2024 Paralympic Games silver medallist, offers practical tips for athletes looking to improve their game and enjoy sport.

“Always set realistic goals – be patient and focus on quality over quantity. For me, celebrating your successes, no matter how big, is really important.

“It helps you stay motivated and love the sport you are playing.”

Driving Change Through Para-Sport

Through partnerships with organisations including Team England, British Rowing, British Fencing, England Athletics as well as universities worldwide, Kukri continues to support para-athletes on and off the field.

By providing adaptable, inclusive and high-performance apparel, Kukri enables athletes to excel while helping drive progress towards a more equal sporting landscape.

Kukri remains committed to driving change and creating equal opportunities across sport at all levels.

Beyond Limits. Together.

OUR COMMITMENT TO PARA-SPORTS

At Kukri Sports, our mission goes beyond high-quality apparel — we are committed to elevating athletes and giving them the platform to excel.

Whether at grassroots level or competing for international honours, we are proud to support athletes and be a long-standing partner of the para-sport community.

As we launch our new campaign to celebrate these remarkable achievements, we want to shine a light on the journeys and voices that inspire us both on and off the field.

Our commitment is rooted in long-term partnerships with organizations like Team England, British Fencing, British Wheelchair Basketball, and England Athletics, as well as leading educational institutions such as Loughborough University.

Together, we provide technical excellence in apparel while amplifying athletes’ voices, breaking down barriers, and inspiring the next generation

Stories That Inspire:

Amy Thompson – Building confidence and visibility

Our ambassador, Amy Thompson, is a rising star in shot put, recently captaining England at the Home Countries U20 International and earning her first call-up to this year’s World Para Championships on 26 September.

“With the help from Kukri, they have really propelled my career, helping me with not only my kit but my social media presence.

“Without their support, I don’t think I would have as many opportunities as I do currently and that comes down to their support away from sport and really building my confidence.”

Hannah Cockroft CBE – Redefining limits

Nine-time Paralympic champion and ambassador Hannah Cockroft CBE has built her career on pushing boundaries.

For Hannah, wheelchair racing is not just a sport, but a gateway to independence and achievement.

“I’m really proud to be a para-athlete. Wheelchair racing is my freedom. The opportunities that being a wheelchair racer gave me ultimately changed my life.”

Hannah also uses her platform to shift perceptions on para-sport, challenging the idea that wheelchair racing is easy or secondary.

“When you have a disability, you are told more often what you can’t do rather than what you can do.

“I like to use my sport to show people what is possible, and hopefully inspire people to challenge themselves and find out what they can achieve.”

British Fencing – Inclusivity in action

Through partners like British Fencing, Kukri supports athletes who prove that inclusivity is the foundation of sporting progress.

For para fencer and coach Aimee Aronica, fencing restored her connection to the sport she had loved for two decades.

“When I acquired my disability, I felt like I lost my sport. Having wheelchair fencing open to me gave me a way to engage with the sport I have spent 20 years competing in.

“If we as a community can make disability less scary and open up para-sport as a place for everybody, I am hoping our sport can grow and be a place where everybody can achieve their dreams.”

For teammates James Peebles and Wiktoria Mucha, para-fencing is both a test of resilience and a transformative journey.

“Being a para-athlete is about proving that a disability doesn’t define what I can or can’t do,” said James.

“It’s about picking myself up when things don’t go to plan, dusting myself off and trying again, as many times as it takes.”

“Wheelchair fencing has changed my life in more ways that I can ever begin to describe,” said Wiktoria.

“Inclusivity in sport is incredibly important to me as it allows me to feel included and a part of something.

“With the support of those around me, I can do anything and forget about the things I struggle with.”

Looking Ahead

At Kukri, we are committed to supporting para-athletes across a range of sports, ensuring their journeys are seen, heard and celebrated.

In the weeks ahead, we will share content offering a closer look at our athletes’ journeys, highlighting the resilience, determination and talent that makes para-sport so special.

Because for us, it’s about more than sport — it’s about breaking barriers, amplifying voices, and inspiring the next generation.

Beyond Limits. Together.

Paralympic Icon Hannah Cockroft Joins Kukri Sports as New Ambassador

Kukri Sports is thrilled to welcome one of Britain’s most decorated para-athletes, Hannah Cockroft, as its newest brand ambassador, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to inclusivity, performance and empowering athletes at every level.

A Shared Vision of Inclusion and Excellence

A nine-time Paralympic champion, multiple world-record holder and trailblazer in para-sport, Hannah has been a dominant force in wheelchair racing since making her debut for Great Britain at the age of 18.

Her career has long been connected to the national athletics system in the UK, including events supported by England Athletics and British Athletics. Through domestic competitions, talent pathways and advocacy for para-athletes, Hannah has been a visible and vocal figure across the athletics landscape.

As the official kit provider for England Athletics, Kukri has championed athletes like Hannah from grassroots through to elite level. This includes proud support for the Youth Talent Programme, which plays a vital role in developing young athletes, both able-bodied and para, as part of the England Athletics talent pathway.

This shared, inclusive approach reflects Kukri’s belief in championing potential across all disciplines, ensuring the next generation of stars has access to opportunity, resources and representation to help fulfil their potential.

“The First Kit Provider to Join My Team in 17 Years”

“Having the opportunity to be an ambassador for Kukri Sports is incredible – they’re the first kit provider to join my team in 17 years,” Hannah said.

“It means so much to me that they’re supporting a para-athlete, a group who are so often overlooked.

“I find it amazing that Kukri supports athletes at all levels, because the grassroots element is so often ignored, so to be able to work with a brand who have the same values as me makes me feel proud.

“I’m excited to work on developing the perfect kit for me, to gain new experiences, and to be part of something bigger than just sport.”

The announcement follows Kukri’s partnership extension with Team England, where they will continue as the official kit supplier through to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Scotland.

A Legacy of Dominance on the Global Stage

Nicknamed ‘Hurricane Hannah’ for her explosive power on the track, Hannah has delivered landmark moments throughout her illustrious career. She made her paralympic debut at the London 2012 Olympic Games, capturing gold in the T34 100m and 200m events, while setting two new paralympic records in the process.

Her dominance continued with triple gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics and double gold in the 2024 Paralympic Games, bringing her paralympic gold medal tally to nine. She is also the most decorated British athlete in World Championship history, with 16 titles to her name.

Currently, she holds the T34 world records for 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m—an unprecedented feat. In 2022, Hannah was appointed OBE in the King’s New Year Honours followed by CBE in last year’s New Year Honours list, recognising not only her sporting excellence but her tireless advocacy for inclusion and representation in sport.

She was also named British Sportswoman of the Year by the Sports Journalists’ Association in 2017, the first para-athlete to ever receive the award in its 57-year history.

Cockroft has been a proud member of Team England, famously leading a 1-2-3 finish in the T34 100m at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Kukri’s ongoing partnership with Team England ensures elite athletes like Hannah are equipped to perform at their best on the global stage.

On Track For 2025

Hannah’s 2025 season is already off to a promising start. She recently kicked things off with a 10-day training camp in Switzerland, where she also opened her competitive season.

“I’m currently in Switzerland, where I’ve been on a 10-day training camp before my season opener last weekend,” she shared. “Although there were no records broken, I set World Lead times in the 1000m, 400m and 800m events, so it’s a good place to start.”

With two more meets to go before returning to the UK next week, Hannah has had a busy few days and is laying strong foundations for what promises to be another standout year.

New Goals, Same Drive

Looking ahead, Cockroft is focused on defending her world titles at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi this September and is already laying the groundwork for a historic fifth Paralympic Games appearance at Los Angeles 2028.

“I still have things I want to achieve”, she said.

“I’d love to hold the Paralympic, World, European and Commonwealth titles all at once, and I really believe I can be the first T34 woman to break 16 seconds in the 100m event. “

Empowering the Next Generation

Hannah’s passion for her sports extends well beyond competition. A champion for inclusion and accessibility, she regularly runs ‘come and try’ days for aspiring athletes, holds coaching qualifications, and uses her platform to advocate for better visibility and resources for para-sport.

“When I was growing up, it was so hard to even find out how to get involved in para-sport,” she explained.

“That’s why I try to give back, to make it easier for the next generation to discover what’s possible.

“Of course, we’re still lagging behind in many areas, from sponsorship and funding to spectator sport outside of Paralympic years, but I think opportunity has grown and that’s the most important place to start, as more champions coming through will hopefully then bring the rest with it.”

From the training track to the world’s biggest stage, having the right kit is crucial, and Hannah knows how vital those details are.

“In wheelchair racing, we put so much effort into aerodynamics and speed, so I like my kit to be close fitting, comfortable and doesn’t distract me at the start of a race.”

Standing Together for a More Inclusive Future

As Kukri continues to strengthen its commitment to inclusive sport, the partnership with Hannah marks another significant step forward in championing para-athletes.

“We’re incredibly proud to welcome Hannah to the Kukri family,” said Andrew Ronnie, Group CEO at Kukri Sports.

“She’s not only one of Britain’s most successful athletes, but also a passionate advocate for inclusion and the growth of para-sport. Her values align perfectly with ours, and we’re excited to support her journey and work with her to achieve her mission.”

With shared values of performance, representation and opportunity at every level of sport, the partnership between Kukri Sports and Hannah Cockroft is set to empower the next generation of athletes, on and off the track.

As preparations begin for this year’s World Para Athletics Championships and beyond, Kukri is proud to stand alongside Hannah in her pursuit of even more excellence and in shaping a more inclusive future for sport.

Find out more about Team England

Kukri Sports Partner Athletes Speak Out on Mental Health

In honour of Mental Health Awareness Week, Kukri Sports is proud to share powerful reflections from its partner athletes on the importance of mental well-being in sport.

From Olympians to grassroots leaders, these athletes open up about recovery, resilience and the reality of life beyond the pitch.

Piper Logan – UBC Women’s Rugby captain (Vancouver, North America)

Paris Olympic silver medallist Piper Logan, captain of Canada’s Women’s 7s team, is currently navigating the challenges of a cruciate ligament injury sustained at the Vancouver 7s.

“I felt like I was constantly falling behind while others kept improving. But over time, I learned to celebrate the little wins and remind myself that growth isn’t always visible.

“I found comfort in focusing on the things I could control like nutrition, habits and reconnecting with the life outside of sport. That helped me feel like myself again.”

Cork Constitution RFC, Men’s First Team (Ireland)

One anonymous first-team player reflects on the often-overlooked mental health challenges that come with playing at a high level.

“Mental health and rugby go hand in hand. Playing helps my well-being through the physical benefits and the social aspect.

“I try to deal with stress by being organised during the week, accepting that not every match goes your way and always having time to relax with the lads.”

Somerset CCC – Jack Leach, Charlie Dean & Alfie Ogborne

Mental health is a growing focus in cricket, a sport known for its long seasons, psychological demands and intense competition.

England internationals Jack Leach and Charlie Dean, as well as Alfie Ogborne reflect on how mindset, team culture and togetherness plays crucial roles in performance and personal well-being.

Alfie said, “You will always see players who are less talented than others do better, and that’s because of their mental approach and preparation.”

Charlie said, “There is always going to be performance pressure, but these days it’s great to see that we are more open about it as that’s how it should be.”

Jack said, “As teammates, we’re always looking out for each other. We have to remember that people go through different things and be there to support them.”

British Rowing – Matt Aldridge & Josh O’Brien

Olympic bronze medallist Matt Aldridge and Paralympic champion Josh O’Brien open up about how team support have shaped their mental resilience.

“The attitude towards mental health has changed quite drastically over the past few years. People are starting to talk about it more openly now, which is really good”, Matt said.

“Any high-pressure environment like rowing, you’re going to have bad days, and if you can share that with different people to pick you up, then that is brilliant.”

Josh added, “Before the Paralympics in Paris, I had a bad back injury. I wouldn’t have gotten through it without my teammates and coaches supporting me through it.”

Sion Bennett – Valley RFC (Asia)

Former Wales U20 and Sevens player Sion Bennett now captains Valley RFC in Hong Kong and leads conversations around mental health.

“Having gone through struggles in sport and life, I’ve seen the impact of community, resilience and simply moving your body,” he says.

After relocating from Wales, Sion leaned on sport to navigate change:

“Being part of a club like Valley helped me build a new support network. Moving overseas taught me more about who I am and helped build self-belief.”

“I strongly believe in creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable to share. You can’t force people to talk about their feelings, but you can make effort with them to talk about their life, their work, have a joke, even if that is a simple hand shake before training, and so when the moment arises that they need someone to talk to they feel like they have built bonds and there’s an environment that they feel like they can share.

As a brand committed to supporting athletes at every level of the game, Kukri stands with these athletes in challenging the stigma and calling for environments where honesty is strength and well-being is a priority.

If you need mental health support, reach out to your primary healthcare provider for guidance. You can also call Samaritans on 116 123 or click here to view the full list.

“THIS IS FOR THE WHOLE BAHRAIN RFC COMMUNITY” – JOSH DRAIN REFLECTS ON LANDMARK SEASON AHEAD OF HISTORIC WEEKEND

A season of determination, unity and top-class performance has brought Bahrain RFC to the brink of history.

This weekend, the teams will take centre stage in regional rugby as both their 1st XV and 2nd XV teams compete in finals, with a shot at making club history by lifting two major trophies on the same day.

After a dramatic 29-21 semi-final victory over Abu Dhabi Harlequins, the 1st XV have earned their place in the West Asia Super Rugby final.

They’ll be joined in the spotlight by the 2nd XV, who have reached the Super 2s Cup final after beating Dubai Exiles 30-22.

As the official kit supplier, Kukri Sports is proud to have supported the teams throughout their campaign, providing performance-driven kit built for the demands of rugby and other sports at the club.

Kukri ambassador and first XV star Josh Drain, who has featured at both fly-half and full-back this season, knows just how much this means to everyone involved.

“It’s very exciting. Reaching the final is a huge achievement, not just for us as players, but for the whole Bahrain RFC community.”

The squad’s journey to this point has been powered by a strong collective spirit and relentless preparation, having won all twelve of their games so far this season as they head into the final against Dubai Hurricanes.

“We’ve built a really tight-knit group that fights for each other and stays together under pressure.

“We’ve had to overcome a few challenges – injuries, tough fixtures, long away days – but the way the boys have stepped up and delivered every time says a lot about the character of this squad.

“The coaches and support staff have also been outstanding in preparing us week in, week out,” Drain said.

For Drain, a key player in the team, it’s also been a season of personal growth as he continues to transition to a different climate.

“It’s been a great experience for me personally. I’ve learned a lot, grown in confidence and had the chance to really challenge myself in some big moments.

“Playing with this group has definitely brought the best out of me.”

Ahead of the final, Drain admitted the group are fully focused on the task ahead and knows what is required of them.

“We know it’s going to be tough, but we’ve prepared well and back ourselves. It’s just about sticking to what we do best and embracing the moment.”

“Finals are often decided by small margins, so we’ll need to be clinical when chances come and stay cool under pressure.

“If we stick to our systems and keep our discipline, we’ll give ourselves every chance.”

Beyond rugby, Bahrain RFC have enjoyed a standout year across multiple sports. The men’s senior football team lifted the Diogo Pires Cup Final trophy, while their netball sides also delivered exceptional results – with the Division 1 and 2 teams both finishing as runners-up, and the Division 3 team claiming the championship title.

Throughout the season, the players have been backed by Kukri as the club’s official kit supplier, whose performance-focused kit has supported the team every step of the way.

“The kit from Kukri has been good all season. It’s built for performance, lightweight, durable and designed to move with you, which really makes a difference during high-intensity games.

“It’s great to be representing a brand that genuinely supports the team,” Drain added.

Kobus Cronje, Middle East Sales Manager at Kukri Sports, said “We’re very proud of what Bahrain RFC has achieved this season, not just in rugby, but across all their sporting teams.

“To see both rugby teams reach their respective finals is a testament to the club’s depth and culture. It’s been a privilege to support them with high-performance kit that matches their ambition, and we’ll be cheering them on as they go for a historic double.”

Looking ahead, Drain believes this season could be the start for even greater things to come.

“The future is really bright for Bahrain RFC. We’ve got a great culture, strong leadership and a growing base of young talent coming through.

“I’d love to see us build on this momentum and keep pushing the standards even higher, both locally and across the region.”

As the club prepares for a potentially historic weekend, the stage is set – and Bahrain RFC is ready to rise to the occasion.

Kukri Sports wishes both teams and its ambassador, Josh Drain, the best of luck ahead of a crucial weekend.

Find out more about Bahrain RFC.

Find out more about our ambassador Josh Drain.

Celebrating Female Athletes on International Women’s Day

In honour of International Women’s Day, Kukri Sports is proud to honour the strength, resilience and determination of female athletes from a variety of sports.

This year, we highlight the inspiring journeys of women who have broken barriers and continue to lead the way for future generations.

Andrea Wing-Yan Leung

Women’s rugby player, Valley RFC Women’s team

Andrea Wing-Yan Leung, a dedicated rugby player for Valley RFC, reflects on her journey in the sport, from playing basketball as a teenager to becoming a Premiership-level winning athlete and a role model for young women in the sport.

“It means honour, cherishment and humility to me to represent my team,” she says.

“I am forever thankful to be able to play sport as a female. However, there are still women out there who may not have a chance to play sports or receive an education.

“For 20 years, my parent’s didn’t support me playing rugby – they saw it as a ‘men’s sport’. But I never gave up. Last season, my dad and brother finally came to watch me play in the Grand Championship final. We won, and I got to show them the trophy.”

Ellie Stevens

North America Running Ambassador

Ellie Stevens, a trailblazer in long-distance running, celebrates the visibility and opportunities that women in endurance sports have gained over recent years.

“International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come and how much further we can go in empowering women in sports,” she states.

Despite overcoming barriers such as facing chronic fatigue throughout her career, Ellie has proved that resilience is key. “Your struggles do not define you – your resilience does. No setback is permanent. Believe in yourself, be patient and take it one step at a time.”

Claire Dowey

NI Volleyball Women’s team player

For Claire Dowey, a veteran volleyball player and captain of Northern Ireland’s women’s team, International Women’s Day is about celebrating the growing participation of women in sport.

Claire’s experience as a mother and high-level athlete has been a balancing act, but she finds strength in showing her son the value of hard work.

“I want them to see that you can have the lows that sport sometimes brings and still bounce back. You can have your family and still play on,” Claire says.

“I truly believe I became a better player, especially mentally, after becoming a mum.“

Ahead of competing in the St. Patrick’s Challenge on 15 March, Claire was pleased to see how much the sport has grown. “It has been exciting to see the number of girls now playing volleyball increase over the years.

“We are gradually securing more funding which is what is going to really support our female athletes to enable them to have access to great training, high-quality kit and elite programmes.”

Izzy Songhurst

Trampoline Gymnast, British Gymnastics

Izzy Songhurst, and two-time Ladies British champion who made her Olympic debut at Paris 2024, shares her thoughts on overcoming body stereotypes and embracing her strength as a gymnast.

“I have overcome it by doing a lot of work on my psychology, being confident in my body’s ability to execute what I’m asking it to do which has helped me a lot in my performance,” she explains.

“For me, it was about finding a way and trying to be really confident in myself and to remember that it is always enough.”

Chloe Andrews

Rugby player, Dubai College Women’s team

As a young female rugby player, Chloe Andrews is passionate about making the sport more inclusive for girls of all ages.

“Rugby at first can seem very intimidating, but it’s a game of resilience, teamwork and confidence,” she shares.

“As a young woman, I’ve learned that sport is not just physical strength, but mental strength and the ability to lead.

“I feel incredibly proud to be part of the newly growing women’s rugby community. It motivates me to be a role model for younger girls, showing them that rugby and any sport in general can be played by everyone.”

Kukri’s Commitment to Women in Sport

At Kukri, we are proud to support women in sport around the world, empowering them to break barriers and unlock their full potential.

By providing high-performance kit and additional off-field support, we are dedicated to helping female athletes feel confident, embrace their strength, and pursue their dreams.

Together, we celebrate women’s achievements and strive to ensure there are no limits to greatness.