Seventh heaven for new rugby venue

It is testament to the efforts of Donal Kilalea, tournament director of the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens, and his team that the competition's new venue still has the special feel of the old Exiles Ground.

The site may be much grander, but the feel of the 2008 version is eerily familiar. This, Kilalea says, was one of the most important requirements when he set about helping design the new home for one of the emirate's biggest sporting occasions.

"Part of the things Emirates has always said, because they've been so good in supporting rugby locally, was to ensure we kept the spirit of the Exiles," says Kilalea, whose Promoseven Sports Marketing company has overseen the event for the past six years.

"The Exiles was a casual, social and friendly environment and that's a very crucial part of the Sevens.

"We've kept all the good things from the Exiles – the grandstand areas, the walkways and the village area – by making it easy for people to move around and making sure we've a very good ambience in the village area.

"We want every supporter that's followed the event for the past 39 years to come to the Sevens and feel that it's even better than it ever was. The big test in seeing if we've been successful in keeping the atmosphere is on November 27."

While the designers have strives to replicate the distinctive atmosphere generated at the old ground, the area away from the main pitch couldn't be much more different. There are six pitches – four used for matches and two for training – instead of the previous quartet and the main grandstand now seats 43,500 as opposed to 32,000 last year.

The new clubhouse comprises eight state-of-the-art changing rooms, including built-in ice baths unavailable at other tournaments, with Emirates enlisting the help of Dr George John from Welcare Hospital to guarantee improved medical facilities. The three-storey building is four times the size of the old 'Wendy House', giving an indication of the level of expansion that only began 11 months ago. Kilalea admits the project has moved at a frightening pace ahead of this month's tournament, but insists the large scope of the development will be beneficial in the future. The key word is 'multifunctional'.

"Its unbelievable," he says enthusiastically. "What people should realise is 11 months ago there was literally just sand out there – they broke ground in December – and now we have six fields up to IRB [International Rugby Board] standard. We've also got the clubhouse, the grandstand and the village area so everything's there for people to really enjoy themselves.

"When Emirates looked at this they wanted it to be the home for rugby, but at the same time cater for the many different events that take place in Dubai. So it allows itself to be used for concerts, football matches or any other large show or event.

"Emirates have made a substantial investment in the site and I'm sure they want to make sure it has a use for all the residents in Dubai. It really says to any organisation out there that's got a sport or an event that this is a site you can use."

Another event scheduled for the venue is the Rugby World Cup Sevens in March next year. The 15-year-old competition is held every four years and will see the world's best players descend on the emirate to battle for the format's biggest prize.

With media facilities having been upgraded following discussions with the host broadcaster and host facilitator, this year's Sevens will provide the opportunity to examine how well-prepared the venue is for the tournament in four months' time.

"We're going to use certain things as test events," explains Kilalea, a former lawyer who emigrated to Dubai 25 years ago. "It'll be behind the scenes that people probably won't see, but because we've 16 international teams here we'll be looking at certain systems.

"There are always strict standards laid in place for the Sevens by the IRB, which we've followed scrupulously for many years. With the World Cup in March, this facility will be a wonderful focus for both the local rugby union and the IRB as well.

"Rugby in the region has grown phenomenally over the past five years and with this facility it will grow even more. We wanted to create a legacy to give rugby the tools to develop the sport here and it finally has that – the AGRFU [Arabian Gulf Rugby Football Union] will have their offices at the venue."

The 16 international teams will compete for the Emirates Airline Trophy, while another 158 local teams of veterans, women's, Under-19s and local social clubs make up the remainder of the three-day competition.

The support for those teams comes from 50,000 spectators each day, with the Sevens own brand of entertainment keeping the crowd buoyant until midnight.

The Aggreko cheerleaders are flown in from Australia, a French brass band have become part of the fabric of the event and face painters add colour to those wanting to show their patriotic side. Kilalea has overseen operations since 2003 and, despite being kept busy ensuring everything runs smoothly during the event, he admits to taking time out to enjoy the special Sevens atmosphere.

"I think the most satisfying thing for me is, on the Saturday evening, just looking at the crowds enjoying themselves while there's good rugby on the pitch," he says. "When you stand there and the teams run out on to the pitch and you hear the roar of the crowd, it's a real magical moment to be honest."

And, after a hectic 11 months spent getting the new venue ready, when can he finally relax?

"At 12am on Sunday morning," he says with a hearty laugh. "When the teams are finished, we've had the presentation and everyone's enjoying themselves. Then you know it's been a success."