The Yalla Sports Podcast

What happens when sport starts on a console… and finishes on the pitch?https://yallasports.ae/news/esports/abu-dhabi-to-host-games-of-the-future-this-december/In this Yalla Sports interview, event organiser Niccolò Nicotra breaks down Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 Powered by ADNOC — a new “phygital” competition format that blends digital gameplay + physical sport, with the final result decided by the combined score.We cover what “phygital” actually means, why Abu Dhabi was chosen as host city, what fans can expect inside ADNEC, and how this format could shape where sport goes next — from phygital football and basketball to tech-heavy disciplines like drone racing and robot battles.Key details mentioned in the interview• Event dates: 18–23 December 2025• 11 disciplines at the Abu Dhabi edition• 50+ countries represented, 1,000+ athletes + 200 referees• Around 80% of ADNEC dedicated to the event• Organiser goals: athlete experience, unity/cultural exchange, and a memorable fan experience🎟️ Tickets / event info: https://abudhabi2025.gofuture.games/en/

In this week's Podcast, I interview UAE Rugby Full-Back, Conor Kennedy. Conor was born in Zimbabwe and raised in the UAE since he was 3 years of age. He's been fulfilling a life long dream of playing for the UAE national rugby team in both 7s and 15s format. He's a Gulf Men's League Cup winner in the 2021 Dubai Sevens for the Dubai Exiles as well as a UAE Premiership winner in 2023 with the club.And now… an Arab Rugby Sevens winner having just returned from winning the Arab Rugby Sevens tournament in Egypt with the national squad, he talks about what it takes to get to the level required to play for the UAE National side and what led him on his successful journey to what could potentially be legendary status, this summer!Leave your comments below!Show us some love, Like and Subscribe.Visit YallaSports.me for more on sport in the region.Follow us on Instagram @yallasports.meFollow the rugby on Instagram @yallarugby

In this episode, Alex Johnson and Grant Goes discuss whether the West Asia Premiership (West Asia Super Rugby) is getting better or worse.Share your thoughts with us as we look at the stats from the past 3 seasons.

I welcome Hollie Murphy, Founder and CEO of special needs academy - Heroes of Hope on to the first of our 2025 season of the Yalla Sports Podcast.

Andy Cole, President of the Abu Dhabi Harlequins Rugby Club discusses the history of Arabian Gulf Rugby (AGR) before it was disbanded to become what is today's UAE Rugby Federation (UAERF)Get in touch email: [email protected] Instagram: @yallasports_aeThanks for listening.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠More from Yalla Rugby

In this first episode of the new UAE rugby season, I interview Matt Born who is part of the Rugby Club Consortium or the RCC, which manages all aspects of domestic rugby in the UAE. Matt discusses the role of the RCC in UAE rugby as well as a special new league that is to be launched this year, so stick around to find out more. Get in touch email: [email protected] Instagram: @yallarugby Thanks for listening. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠More from Yalla Rugby

Yalla Rugby is the Podcast for Rugby Union in the UAE hosted by Alex Johnson & Neville O’Donoghue.Ep. 14: #YallaRugby with special guest, Paul Hart from the Jebel Ali Dragons rugby club in Dubai. 'Harty' talks us through how he found himself being thrust into the Dragons starting lineup over 13 years ago, when he first moved to the UAE from the UK, as well as discussing the changes over the years within the sport here in the Middle East.Get in touch email: [email protected] Instagram: @yallarugby - @rugbysmacksThanks for listening.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠More from Yalla Rugby

Yalla Rugby is the Podcast for Rugby Union in the UAE hosted by Alex Johnson & Neville O’Donoghue. Ep. 13: #YallaRugby with special guest, Fly Half for the Dubai Tigers rugby club, Chanley Williams. Chanley talks us through his academy days back in South Africa and signing for the Blue Bulls, before disaster struck which finally led him to start a new life in Dubai. Get in touch email: [email protected] Instagram: @yallarugby - @rugbysmacks Thanks for listening. ⁠⁠⁠⁠More from Yalla Rugby

Yalla Rugby is the Podcast for Rugby Union in the UAE hosted by Alex Johnson & Neville O’Donoghue. Ep. 12: #YallaRugby with special guest, Chairman of RAK Rugby Club, David Learman. Dave talks us through the heritage and roots of Ras Al Khaimah rugby and how life has changed over the past 25 years in the United Arab Emirates. Get in touch email: [email protected] Instagram: @yallarugby - @rugbysmacks Thanks for listening. ⁠⁠⁠More from Yalla Rugby

Yalla Rugby is the Podcast for Rugby Union in the UAE hosted by Alex Johnson & Neville O’Donoghue. Ep. 11: #YallaRugby with special guest, dual code international rugby player, Henry Paul. He has won titles at Wigan Warriors, Bradford Bulls and Gloucester Rugby Club as well as representing England and New Zealand at international level. Now after coaching the Canadian 7s rugby team, and celebrating the birth of his new son, we catch up with him as he begins a new chapter in his life here in Dubai. Get in touch email: [email protected] Instagram: @yallarugby - @rugbysmacks Thanks for listening. ⁠⁠More from Yalla Rugby