Testimonials

Benny’s U15 South Africa tour to Durban with Pinnakle Rugby Academy was an unforgettable experience filled with rugby, personal growth, and lifelong memories. The boys developed their skills, strengthened their bond as teammates, and enjoyed incredible opportunities both on and off the field, including a safari, a stadium tour, and watching a professional rugby match.

A heartfelt thank you to Coach Pieter for making this amazing tour possible, and to Coach Rory for his continued support throughout the journey. Thank you also to all the parents who helped make this rewarding and memorable experience possible.

Pinnakle Rugby Academy provided an opportunity that Benny and the team will cherish for years to come.

PinnaKle Rugby Academy is a fantastic academy that caters for all age groups and abilities. Whether you’re new to rugby or an experienced player looking to take your game to the next level, the academy provides a fun, inclusive, and supportive environment for everyone.

The coaches are highly experienced, knowledgeable, and passionate about player development. Head Coach Pieter Kilian brings exceptional expertise in rugby skills, team building, strength, and conditioning, ensuring that every player receives quality coaching and opportunities to improve.

The positive atmosphere encourages players to build confidence, develop friendships, and enjoy the game while reaching their full potential. I would highly recommend PinnaKle Rugby Academy to anyone looking for professional coaching in a welcoming and enjoyable environment.

Both of my boys enjoy the training and game opportunities that PinnaKle provides. The training sessions are well-structured, challenging, and enjoyable, helping players improve their technical ability, game understanding, fitness, and confidence.

I cannot recommend Pinnakle Academy highly enough! My son joined to develop his rugby skills, and the growth we have seen has been outstanding. Since starting, he has gained confidence, improved his skills and agility, and developed a much better understanding of the game.

What truly makes the difference is the coaching team. The coaches are professional, knowledgeable, supportive, and incredibly encouraging. They create a positive environment where every child feels valued while being challenged to reach their full potential.

The impact has extended far beyond rugby. My son has become more confident, resilient, and motivated, and his love for the sport continues to grow with every session. It is clear that the coaches genuinely care about the development of each player, both on and off the field.
Thank you to everyone at Pinnakle Academy for your dedication, passion, and commitment to helping young players thrive. We are so grateful to be part of such a fantastic rugby community

Since the beginning Pinnakle Academy has raised the bar of rugby skills academies in the UAE. Professional coaching in all aspects and especially with the Elite group, pushing players to reach their full potential. Filling an important individual- and team skills training gap often overlooked even in the best schools- and club programs. Also great, challenging, tours!

The Head Coach, Pieter, and the fantastic team at Pinnakle Rugby Academy are incredibly dedicated and have played a tremendous role over the years in coaching and mentoring our son, Harrison. His skills and confidence on the pitch have grown significantly under their guidance, and it has been wonderful to see his development both as a player and as an individual.

He was also fortunate to experience playing in South Africa on tour, an opportunity that will stay with him for life. We are very grateful to Pieter and the entire team for their commitment, support, and passion for developing young players.

I’ve been at Pinnakle since the early days….one of the OG’s. It has been amazing to see how much it has grown and how the level keeps going up every year.

For me, the difference is simple. It’s not a club, it’s an academy. The focus is on developing me as a player within a team, not just training or playing matches. Coach Pieter and the rest of the coaches really helped me understand my role better and think more about the game, not just the skills.

The coaching really is top-notch. Sessions are tough, but they make sense. There is always a reason behind what we are doing, and the coaches push us to think, compete and keep improving.

One of the best parts has been the opportunities. Playing against touring teams really tests you and the South Africa tour was a big highlight. Going up against bigger, stronger teams as U12s was a challenge, but we were well prepared and managed to win 3 out of 4 games, which showed how much Pinnakle taught us.

What I enjoy most is being around players who all want to get better. The standard is high, so it pushes you to raise your own game every session.

Pinnakle has definitely played a big role in my rugby development so far, and it will still be going forward with my rugby journey in the UAE.

Pinnakle has become a huge part of our rugby journey here in the UAE. Rugby is a big part of our family life, so we have a close view of the impact the programme has on the local rugby landscape.

What sets Pinnakle apart is that it is clearly not positioned as a traditional club. It operates as an academy with a strong emphasis on structured player development. The focus is on building the individual first, helping players understand their role in the team and preparing them properly for the demands of the next level.

The coaching standard is consistently high. Pieter and his team don’t simply run training sessions….they design development blocks with intent. Every session has purpose, detail and direction, and the players respond to that level of expectation.

The match opportunities have also been excellent. Beyond weekly training, the exposure to touring teams and different playing styles has been invaluable. The South Africa tour in mid-2026 stood out in particular, seeing a largely U12 group compete against U13 opposition and perform strongly reflected the quality of preparation behind them.

Marko has been fortunate to be recognised with numerous rugby accolades at both school and club level, and Pinnakle has been a key part of that progression.

From my perspective, Pinnakle is helping raise the standard of youth rugby in the UAE in a very structured and purpose driven way. It is creating opportunities and development pathways that simply didn’t exist before.

My experience with PinnaKle Rugby Academy has been incredible. The coaches are supportive, knowledgeable, and always make training sessions fun and engaging. The South Africa tour was definitely a highlight, providing amazing opportunities to improve my rugby skills while experiencing a different rugby culture. The tour was well organised, the people were welcoming, and every day was packed with valuable learning experiences. PinnaKle has helped me grow as a player, build confidence, and make great memories along the way. I would highly recommend it to any young rugby player looking to develop their game and enjoy the sport.

My experience with PinnaKle has been amazing and something I will always remember. From the training sessions to the tour itself, every part of the experience has helped me grow as a player and as a person. The coaches are extremely supportive, knowledgeable, and always bring the best out of us by encouraging us to work hard, stay focused, and keep improving.

The tour was an incredible opportunity to compete against new teams, experience different environments, and create unforgettable memories with my teammates. It was not only about football, but also about building friendships, developing confidence, and learning important lessons both on and off the field.

PinnaKle has provided an environment where players can improve their skills while having fun and enjoying the journey. I’m grateful for the dedication of the coaches, the opportunities we were given, and the experiences that will stay with me for a long time.

My experience with PinnaKle academy has been outstanding. The pure amount of effort coming from coaches to improve your skills and game thinking. The coaches are very straightforward without missing the fun aspect. Acknowledging your coach and his teaching creates a bond that cannot be broken. And all of the coaches do that perfectly.

The training sessions in particular are perfect. Multiple different drills and 1 on 1 coaching to really push the player to their best ability. Every exercise or drill is always done for a reason.

Along with that, the tours PinnaKle provides such a good environment to be able to play other rugby teams, see different levels in different countries, and create memories along the way. PinnaKle academy is world class.

My experience with Pinnakle Rugby has been incredible. Our tour to South Africa was one of the best experiences of my life. We played against strong teamsf, learned new skills, and made unforgettable memories with our teammates.

The training throughout the tour was excellent. The coaches pushed us to improve every day, helping us become better players both physically and mentally. The sessions were challenging, professional, and enjoyable, allowing us to grow as a team and as individuals.

The South African rugby culture was inspiring, and the whole tour showed us what it takes to compete at a high level. I am grateful to Pinnakle Rugby for providing such an amazing opportunity and an experience I will never forget.

As a family, we cannot speak highly enough of Pinnakle Rugby Academy. The club genuinely cares about every player, boys and girls alike, across all age groups. The training sessions are structured, well-paced, and, most importantly, thoroughly enjoyable. The coaches bring a level of professionalism that inspires confidence in both players and parents.

The highlight of our experience was the U13 tour to South Africa, an extraordinary trip that we will treasure for years to come. The organisation and administration behind the tour was nothing short of exceptional. Every detail was thoughtfully considered, logistics ran smoothly, and the whole experience felt safe, exciting, and seamlessly managed from start to finish.

Pieter and his entire team are a credit to the sport. Their dedication, passion, and attention to detail set Pinnakle Rugby Academy apart, and we hold them in the very highest regard.

I joined the academy in January 2026 and I have really enjoyed being part of it. I have played rugby since I was 5 years old, and I feel like my skills have improved a lot since joining.

The coaches are really supportive and have helped me get better at passing, tackling, teamwork and understanding the game. Everyone is friendly and it is a great place to play rugby and make new friends.

My favourite experience was going on tour to South Africa. It was amazing to play rugby in a different country, meet new people and make lots of great memories with my teammates.

Thank you for all the hard work you put into coaching us and helping us improve. I am excited to keep learning and playing rugby with the academy.

PinnaKle has been an incredible experience. Coach Pieter and Coach Neil have been fantastic throughout the tour, always supporting us, helping us improve, and making every moment enjoyable. The tour has given us the opportunity to play great rugby, build friendships, and create memories that will stay with us for a long time. I’m really grateful for all the hard work and effort they put in to make this such a special experience. Thank you, Coach Pieter and Coach Neil!

Milo has been a member of Pinnakle Rugby Academy since it first opened in 2024 and the impact it has had on his development has been incredible.

The professionalism, coaching standards and level of training he has received have elevated his game to another level. As a prop, Milo has benefited hugely from position-specific coaching, which has helped him grow in confidence, improve his technical understanding and develop the physicality needed for his role.

This progress was clear to see during the recent international tour to South Africa, where the U13 Boys Elite Team played against some highly skilled and very tough school sides. The experience showcased just how much the boys have developed through the academy and how well prepared they were to compete at that level.

In my opinion, Pinnakle is the best rugby academy in the UAE. If you are looking for elite-level coaching, a professional environment and genuine results, I could not recommend Pinnakle highly enough.

We’ve had a wonderful experience with Pinnakle. The standard of coaching is exceptional and it’s clear how much dedication and care goes into every training session. The coaches are approachable, encouraging and genuinely invested in the players. We’re incredibly appreciative of everything the Pinnakle team has done for our daughter.

Thank very much Pieter for having me at pinnakle, you guys have taught me so much to help me grow as a rugby player on and off the pitch and cannot wait to start again next year. The tour was an unforgettable journey and cannot wait to do it all over again.

Our daughters didn’t develop a love for rugby because of their rugby-crazy saffa father — they developed that passion because of Pieter.

Since meeting him, he’s had an incredibly positive influence on both of them. He’s taught them the fundamentals, and the progress they’ve made under his guidance has been exceptional.

What sets Pieter apart is how he coaches. It’s not just learning by playing and repetition — he focuses on correct technique, spatial awareness, and helping them understand not only what to do, but why, and when. Rather than expecting kids to pick up those instincts on their own, he tells them what to look for, what they should be feeling in different situations, and how to make smart decisions on the field. That thoughtful, structured approach is rare.

Even more important is the genuine care Pieter and his coaching team show for every child, as athletes and as people. This past season they supported our eldest daughter through a difficult growth-related injury with exceptional dedication. They adapted her training, kept her involved, and put extra time into building her tactical understanding of the game while she recovered. We couldn’t have asked for better support through a very long, hard year.

We’re so grateful for his commitment to developing young players. We cannot recommend Pinnakle highly enough.

I’m so grateful for all that PinnaKle has done for Conor. It’s developed his skills and confidence in rugby so significantly. I’d highly recommend their programmes to anyone. Quality coaching that focuses on the individual will guarantee improvements in your child’s game.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the exceptional impact that the Pinnakle U12 Rugby Academy has had on my son’s development over the past three terms.

The progress he has made has been remarkable—not only in his rugby skills and technical ability, but also in his understanding of the game, his physical preparedness, and his overall confidence on the field. The quality of coaching provided by the entire Pinnakle team has been outstanding, combining technical excellence with a genuine passion for developing young players.

Beyond the rugby itself, what has impressed me most is the emphasis placed on character, responsibility, and teamwork. Pieter and Neil have done an exceptional job of building a true team spirit, creating an environment where every player feels accountable to the group and strives to support one another.

The South African tour perfectly reflected these values. Taking the squad to compete against four local teams was an incredible experience, and the boys represented Pinnakle with commitment, discipline, technical quality, and respect. Under Pieter and Neil’s outstanding leadership, they demonstrated not only how much they had grown as rugby players, but also as teammates and young individuals. Their guidance, ability to instill responsibility, and commitment to each player’s development were evident throughout the tour.

Thank you to Pieter, Neil, and the entire Pinnakle coaching team for creating an environment that develops not only better rugby players, but also better young people. My son has benefited enormously from this experience, and I couldn’t recommend the Pinnakle Academy more highly.

Pinnakle this year was an amazing experience for Gabriel and for as a parent watching the team (players and coaches) in South Africa. A big Thank you !

Our son joined PinnaKle with approx six weeks left in the term, the training and strength and conditioning was serious, and the coaches and players were clearly a high standard which is great.

The coaches really pushed him in the right way, respectful and encouraging while demanding real effort. He absolutely thrived in that environment, over those weeks, he grew as a player, made some great friendships and loved it. Friday became the highlight of his week.

If you’ve got a rugby-loving child who wants to be challenged and pushed to improve alongside equally driven kids, PinnaKle is the place. The standard is genuinely high, but the culture is supportive and welcoming too, and encourages growth. Thank you for all your efforts.

Since joining PinnaKle Rugby Academy at U12, Jaden has developed significantly as both a rugby player and an all-round athlete. The structured, engaging training sessions have consistently improved his core skills, speed, strength, and understanding of the game, while always providing the right balance of challenge and enjoyment.

One of the things that has made the biggest difference is the quality of the coaching. The knowledgeable, dedicated coaches provide constructive, individual feedback that helps every player continue to develop. Being part of the Elite Squads has been especially valuable, with termly reports clearly identifying Jaden’s strengths and the specific areas he needs to improve. Position-specific drills help to prepare him in real game scenarios. Having those clear targets has given him direction and confidence in his development.

Just as importantly, PinnaKle has created a driven environment where players encourage one another to improve while maintaining a genuine love for the game. The academy equips young players with the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to progress into university rugby and beyond.

If you want your child to improve as a rugby player, develop as an athlete, and be coached in a professional, supportive environment, I would wholeheartedly recommend PinnaKle Rugby Academy.

The PinnaKle tour to Durban was an incredible experience from start to finish. Playing against strong, physical opposition challenged us in new ways and gave us a fresh perspective after facing many of the same teams throughout the season. The coaches and leadership team created an environment where everyone bought into the team’s goals, constantly supporting and pushing us to improve both on and off the field. Our squad became a really close, united group, and that team spirit made the experience even more enjoyable. Off the pitch, activities like the safari, attending a URC match, and touring the stadium made the tour unforgettable. It was an amazing opportunity that helped me grow as both a rugby player and a person. I am very grateful to be part of Pinnakle Rugby Academy, to the coaches and my teammates.

Our son, Roddy, has been training with Pinnakle for the past three years, and the development we’ve seen both on and off the pitch has been incredible.

The growth in his confidence, discipline, skills, and overall character year after year is a real credit to Peter and his outstanding team of coaches. They create a structured, professional environment where the children are challenged, encouraged, and held to high standards, instilling the values, work ethic, and respect that we believe rugby should teach.

What really sets Pinnakle apart is the opportunities they provide beyond weekly training. Organising tours to South Africa, building relationships with professional clubs, and bringing in former professional players and coaches gives the children experiences that simply weren’t available in Dubai before.

Pinnakle has raised the standard of youth rugby development, and we couldn’t recommend Peter and the coaching team highly enough. If you’re looking for a programme that develops not only better rugby players but better young people, this is it.