Dylan Hartley was announced as the new director of rugby at Dubai Sharks this week.
It is a staggering coup for the recreational game in the region. A 97-cap international, who was appointed England captain by Eddie Jones, then led them on a record winning run and a Grand Slam.
Who in retirement has established himself as one of the foremost voices on the sport, as part of a budding media career to which he seems perfectly suited.
And who is now joining a mid-table team in the second tier of domestic rugby in the Middle East.
All of which would seem a bit trippy, were it not for the fact there is actually a precedent for such quirkiness happening in this part of the rugby world.
Like that time Dan Carter rocked up to be a waterboy for a charity side at the Dubai Rugby Sevens.
And when Mike Phillips would join in with training while coaching Jebel Ali Dragons.
Or when Carlos Spencer was running rings around part-time players on the fields of Sharjah Wanderers.
Check out the picture gallery above for a list of just some of the surreal sights seen in UAE rugby in recent years.