Romain Gerardin-Fresse and RGF Polo Team shine at the excellence Polo Awards 2026

Dubai’s polo community gathered in style for the Excellence Polo Awards 2026, an evening dedicated to celebrating the finest talents of the 2025 - 2026 season.

In the presence of His Excellency Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, along with leading figures of the sport including Mohammed Al Habtoor, the ceremony honoured players, patrons and teams who shaped an exceptional season across the UAE polo circuit.

Among the evening’s highlights was the recognition of Romain Gerardin-Fresse, who was awarded the prestigious Rookie of the Year title for the second consecutive year.

This distinction reflects a season of undeniable impact. Throughout 2026, Romain Gerardin-Fresse delivered a series of composed, tactically mature performances in key tournaments, standing out for his discipline, strategic reading of the game and ability to perform under pressure.

The Rookie of the Year category was notably competitive this year, with nominees including Freddie Leyland, Saad Jehangiri - patron of Jehangiri Polo - and His Highness Khalifa Al Maktoum. That Romain Gerardin-Fresse prevailed in such company underscores the strength of his season.

His recognition did not stop there.

Romain Gerardin-Fresse was nominated in five major categories: Polo Player of the Year, Best Polo Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Outstanding Polo Patron of the Year LG and Rising Novice, a rare breadth of acknowledgement that speaks to both athletic progress and leadership as a patron.

The celebration extended beyond individual honours. RGF Polo Team received the prestigious Polo Special Recognition Award, distinguishing itself among strong contenders such as Jehangiri Polo, El Basha Polo and Al Faisal Polo, the team of His Highness Sultan bin Faisal Al Saud.

Over the course of the season, RGF Polo Team demonstrated consistency, cohesion and competitive spirit in high-intensity matches, earning respect across the UAE polo landscape. The award recognises not only results, but contribution to the dynamism and visibility of the sport.

RGF Polo Team is supported this season by the high jewellery Maison Repossi, part of the LVMH group, following the recent conclusion of a strategic partnership.

« This inaugural year has also been made possible thanks to the backing of its longstanding sponsors - AAMC, Neurocare, Fuse Group, Carib International and OASEAU INVESTMENTS - whose support enabled the team to launch and compete throughout the 2025 - 2026 season. » said Romain.

The Excellence Polo Awards once again showcased the growing stature of polo in the Emirates, where world-class facilities, visionary patrons and competitive tournaments continue to position the UAE as a global hub for the sport.

For Romain Gerardin-Fresse and RGF Polo Team, the evening marked both recognition and momentum, confirmation that their presence on the UAE polo scene is no longer emerging, but firmly established.

With the 2026 season now written into the record books, anticipation already builds for what lies ahead.