News - 2009

Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens kicks off for the 40th time

December 3, 2009, Dubai - The Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens kicked into gear with some great action in the invitational tournaments today.

7he Sevens was awash with colour and activity as many of the 161 invitational sides began their quests for ultimate victory at the historic 40th anniversary of the tournament.

All is set now for the kickoff of the opening leg of the IRB Sevens World Series matches which begin tomorrow when Fiji take on Scotland at 9.20am.

Last year's runners-up England will play their opening game against the USA at 10.04am while defending champions South Africa will play their first match against World Cup Sevens champions Wales at 11.32am.

Also starting tomorrow will be the much talked-about international invitational women's tournament which includes eight national women's teams.

"The final preparations have been made and we are ready to welcome the throngs of fans to 7he Sevens tomorrow," said Tournament Director, Donal Kilalea."Last year we not only saw world-record breaking crowds attending the tournament but also some of the finest sevens rugby played to date. Both of the Cup semi-finals and the final were simply unforgettable and I have no doubt we will be treated to more top-notch entertainment when the teams run out onto Pitch 1 tomorrow," added Kilalea.

Away from the pitches, there will be plenty of activities in the Rugby Village with an array of entertainment on offer for all ages."We really feel this is one of the few true family events in the region and that why we like to focus on catering for everyone, from the kids to adults and this year will be no different," said Kilalea

"Another aspect we are really focusing on is the recycling side of things to make sure we are doing our bit for the environment. Emirates are particularly concerned with doing their best towards preserving the environment so we encourage fans to recycle all their cans and bottles by placing plenty of recycling bins across the venue to make this as easy as possible," said Kilalea.

Also adding to the excitement on Friday will be a Q&A session with two rugby greats- former England captain and an Emirates sports ambassador, Lawrence Dallaglio, and one of the most capped Springbok centres, Andre Snyman- which will be open to the public. This will take place at the Radio 1&2 stage area in the rugby village at 10.30am so fans are being encouraged to come along and rub shoulders with some of the game's finest.

Tickets for the tournament are still available at the gate and organisers are expecting in the region of 40,000 spectators on Friday and the same number on Saturday.