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29 March 2024

Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens set to break records

Gary Chapman (from left), President, Group Services and dnata, Emirates Group, Sean Horan, New Zealand Women’s Coach, Mohammed Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, Chairman, UAE Rugby Federation, Philippe Bourdarias, World Rugby General Manager Competitions, Neil Powell, South Africa Men’s Coach and Ben Ryan, Fiji Men’s Coach, at the pre-event press conference. (Supplied)

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By Staff

The 2015 Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens, which will be held at The Sevens Stadium from December 3-5, is set to be the most impressive event in the history of the tournament as it kicks off the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series. 

In addition, the Invitation Tournament will see a record-breaking 269 teams compete in Rugby and now also Netball, making this the largest Invitation Tournament the Rugby Sevens has ever seen and a true family event to celebrate the UAE National Day weekend in style.

Speaking at the pre-tournament Press Conference Tuesday, Gary Chapman, President, Emirates Group Services and dnata, said: “Now in its 46th year, the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens has seen phenomenal growth in terms of participation from teams and spectators. We are proud that it is today the biggest and most popular sporting event on the Dubai calendar. Just recently we were voted Dubai’s Favourite Sporting Event at the ‘What’s on Awards’ for the 12th time, which is great recognition from the fans and spectators. We are looking forward to another successful event as we continue to make this a bigger and better experience each year.”

Philippe Bourdarias, World Rugby General Manager, Competitions said: “Dubai represents the start of an exciting journey for World Rugby as we get set for a massive season ahead. With the Series expanded to ten iconic destinations around the globe as we continue the journey towards the Olympic Games in Rio 2016, we have the opportunity to reach and inspire new audiences and all teams look forward to showcasing our sport on the greatest stage of them all.

“With HSBC reaffirming their commitment to the game as series title sponsors, and DHL also coming in as global partners, the stage is set for a fantastic few days here in Dubai and a very exciting sevens season ahead for both the men’s and women’s game.”
   
The Chairman of the UAE Rugby Federation, Mohammed Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, said: “The entire local rugby community looks forward to this weekend every year as it marks the occasion where all levels of rugby in the UAE has the opportunity to play on the international stage in front of full grandstands.  The unique format of the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens delivers a weekend full of sport and entertainment for the family, but importantly creates a continual legacy for the development of the game in the UAE and is aspirational for all local rugby players to compete on the international stage.  We’re in for another exciting weekend.”

The Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens is not just a showcase for the best rugby action, there is also a weekend of great entertainment - with a particular focus on family fun this year.

With the brand new Teen Zone, presented by Virgin Radio Dubai and PlayStation, the Sabba 7’s Club and the crèche, all open from Day 1, fans of all ages are set to have an unforgettable experience. 

Families are also catered for with a special entrance and 2,000 designated family seats in the dnata family stand, and a free bus service to family drop-off points throughout Dubai operating from 6pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Entrance to Thursday’s action is completely free and will include international action on pitch 1 with the launch of the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series and the Invitation Tournaments.
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Tickets for the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens 2015 can still be purchased online at www.dubairugby7s.com.