News - 2009

Dubai gets set for biggest party weekend of the year

November 26, 2009, Dubai: With just a week to go to the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens 2009, everything is set for one of the region's biggest party weekends of the year.

Not only will 161 teams be battling it out on the pitches at The Sevens, but away from the rugby, there is a great line-up of entertainment to keep all ages occupied from December 3-5.

As in previous years, there will be a dedicated children's area with plenty of fun activities such as bouncing castles and other inflatable games, the passing challenge, face painting and a creche area for the younger kids.

There will also be numerous exciting activities available to the older fans. On the pitch the man who has once again been handed the task of getting the party going is presenter Dave Crane, who will be heading up the team of entertainers at the Dubai Rugby Sevens for the ninth time this year.

"I am blessed to be part of an amazing team. Commentators Kev Scorah and Damien Hopley know the event inside out, and DJ Jeff Price is a master at getting the tunes right and keeping the continuity going," said Crane.

Asked what keeps bringing him back year on year, he reckoned: "It's just the incredible atmosphere. There is no bigger party anywhere else in the Middle East and it's brilliant to be a part of that!"

With the tournament celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, there are a few extra features in store including the return of the hugely popular Austin Powers character who will be entertaining the crowds with his on-pitch antics between matches.

"I'm really looking forward to being at the Dubai Rugby Sevens again. It's an exciting tournament with friendly crowds. I love it there and always have a good time," said Gary Brown AKA Austin Powers.

"I have been twice before in 2002 and 2003. From my experience it's the amazing ambience of not only the crowd and the tournament but also what Dubai has to offer as a destination. Hopefully there will be a lot of crowd participation in singing and dancing, and I'm expecting people to dress up a lot more," added Brown.

As for what else the crowds can expect, Crane explained: "There will of course be the usual mix of Sevens classics but we're also going to throw in some exciting new tracks as well as some special 40th anniversary tunes with the very best of the '70s and '80s."

The always-popular Aggreko Dynamos cheerleaders will also be back this year to entertain the crowds with their acrobatic dance routines on the pitch. "This year we have some new faces, new songs and some serious gymnasts amongst the group. I can't wait to get my girls out there performing to an awesome crowd and alongside all the fantastic rugby," said Amber Field, director and choreographer of the Aggreko Dynamos.

After the action comes to an end on Friday, December 4, The Million Dollar band will be keeping the party going at the famous Rugby Rock concert in the Rugby Village while it will be over to the Corporate Voice Experience (CVE) - one of New Zealand's favourite cover bands - on Saturday, December 5.

From small bars to large outdoor festival shows, CVE's repertoire features artists as diverse as Jonny Cash, Neil Diamond, The Rolling Stones, Talking Heads to The Killers, Snow Patrol, Muse and Kings of Leon.

Tickets to come and join the party are still available through www.dubairugby7s.com and will also be on sale at the gate during the tournament.

Meanwhile, for those who can't make it down to The Sevens, the tournament will be screened live on Showtime and Dubai Sports as well as numerous other stations across the world. From the Cook Islands to Romania and Brazil, fans will be tuning in to watch the action unfold in Dubai. Last year's IRB Sevens World Series was televised in a record 139 countries, reaching a potential audience of 750 million people.