The 2017 Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens kicks off tomorrow at The Sevens Stadium and it is set to be the largest event to date with 837 rugby and netball matches taking place across the three days. 

 

The HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series and the largest Invitation Tournament will descend on The Sevens Stadium at the largest sporting and social event in Dubai. 

 

Speaking at the pre-tournament Press Conference today, Boutros Boutros, Divisional Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, Marketing & Brand for the Emirates Group, said: “Now in its 48th year, the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens has seen tremendous growth and participation from teams and spectators alike. We are proud that this event has grown to become the most popular sporting event on the Dubai calendar. We are looking forward to another successful event as we continue to make this a bigger and better experience each year.”

 

World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont commented: “There is a huge amount of excitement ahead of Dubai and, of course, ahead of a busy season of sevens rugby for both the men’s and women’s teams.

 

“As well as the rounds of the men’s and women’s series, many teams have the Commonwealth Games and Rugby World Cup Sevens to look forward to as the popularity of the game continues to thrive and benefit from the Olympic effect.  

 

“This season will see South Africa men and New Zealand women aim to retain their crowns, but with so many teams vying for that number-one position in the standings in both series, it’s shaping up to be another memorable season.”          

 

Also speaking at the press conference was Qais Al Dhalai, Secretary General UAE Rugby Federation, who said: “UAE Rugby is delighted to welcome all teams, officials, and spectators, to what we envisage will be another extremely memorable and successful Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens.

 

“We continue to be very encouraged with the number of teams; men’s, women’s, boys and girls, who take up our game across our region, in Asia and beyond. We at the UAE Rugby Federation are delighted with this uptake in the youth division which dovetails perfectly into Asia Rugby’s ambitious playing population. The UAE has become a prominently role model union in the continent, and, assisting tier 2 and tier 3 unions within West, Central and East Asia has become one of our top priorities for the period 2018 to 2020. 

 

“There is no doubt that the Dubai Rugby Sevens provides the next generation with the inspiration, and aspiration, needed to drive the game into the future.”

 

Now in its 48th year, the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens will showcase world-class rugby on all eight pitches, the biggest netball tournament to date and plenty of entertainment on and off the pitches.  

 

As always, the Dubai Sevens is the perfect place to enjoy a variety of food and beverages and with five different F&B Zones there will be something for everyone. The popular Sabaa 7s Club will be even bigger and better with brand new interactive games and added attractions by Hallmark and The Toy Store. The Virgin Radio Dubai Teen Zone returns, and this year will see a variety of Star Wars activities on offer in anticipation of the new Star Wars: The Last Jedi release.

 

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 Tournament. 

 

Tickets for the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens are now on sale and fans can save Dh100 by buying them in advance. Tickets can be purchased online at www.dubairugby7s.com or at selected outlets including Costa, The Toy Store, Hallmark, Prosport, Virgin MegaStores and Park n Shop. 

 

Ticket prices for general admission are:

• November 30 - free admission

• December 1 - in advance Dh300, on the day Dh400

• December 2 - in advance Dh300, on the day Dh400

• Season tickets (Friday and Saturday) - in advance Dh500, on the day Dh600

• Children under 12 admitted free 

• Special reserved seating and corporate hospitality packages are available -  please visit: www.dubairugby7s.com 

 

Emirates Skywards members can redeem tickets for the event using their miles; members should visit the Sports and Culture section of Skywards at www.emirates.com to avail this offer. - TradeArabia News Service