Ronnie O’Sullivan makes feelings on UK crystal clear after uprooting to new country.

Ronnie O’Sullivan makes feelings on UK crystal clear after uprooting to new country.

 

 

Seven-time world snooker champion Ronnie O’Sullivan, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, has taken the significant step of relocating his life and career outside the United Kingdom — a move that has sparked widespread discussion among fans and pundits alike. In the summer of 2025, O’Sullivan and his wife, Laila Rouass, opted to make Dubai their primary base, a decision he says has fundamentally improved his wellbeing and overall quality of life.

The change of scenery didn’t just happen on a whim. O’Sullivan openly detailed the toll that constant travel was taking on him — especially the relentless shuttling between the UK, Asia, and the Middle East that had become a fact of life on the snooker circuit. He explained that the punishing schedule and jet lag were wearing him down, preventing him from being at his physical and mental best. In his own words, the relocation has “transformed his life,” giving him a chance to feel more balanced and prepared ahead of major events like the UK Championship.

What This Says About His Views on the UK

O’Sullivan’s comments and actions send a clear message: his relationship with the UK as a base has fundamentally changed. While he hasn’t outright criticised his home country in hostile terms, his decision to live abroad — and to play significantly fewer UK-based tournaments — speaks volumes about where he sees his priorities now.

On multiple occasions he has skipped smaller UK events, citing travel strain and a need to protect his wellbeing, even hinting at possibly missing the Masters — one of snooker’s most prestigious events normally held in London — in order to focus on life and competition abroad.

Journalists and insiders have noted that this shift reflects more than just logistics — it’s a sign of a champion who is intent on reshaping the final chapters of his career on his own terms. O’Sullivan appears far more interested in a schedule and lifestyle that suits his personal needs rather than remaining rooted in the traditional British snooker calendar.

Tax, Travel and Priorities

Another factor frequently highlighted in the broader discussion — though not always directly from O’Sullivan himself — is the tax implications of living in the UK versus places like Dubai. Some analysts have linked his relocation to seeking a more favourable tax environment that allows him to maximise his earnings late in his career, although O’Sullivan hasn’t explicitly made that his public justification.

That said, British media reporting has connected his reduced presence in domestic events and his relocation with a drop in world rankings, partly attributable to his limited appearances in UK tournaments.

A New Chapter

Today, Ronnie O’Sullivan’s move away from the UK can be seen as a declaration of independence. Rather than a rejection of the sport’s British heartland, it’s a statement of self-preservation and personal evolution. He’s seeking balance, managing travel fatigue, and prioritising well-being — even if it means drifting away from the UK-centric snooker scene in which he built his legacy.

In doing so, O’Sullivan is not just redefining the twilight years of one of snooker’s greatest careers — he’s also signalling a broader shift in how elite athletes think about where and how they live.