Dubai: The first IRB-sanctioned women's tournament at the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens promises to be a fascinating event, with the women's game having developed and grown at a remarkable rate.
Heading the line-up of teams competing in Dubai are the reigning Rugby World Cup Sevens champions Australia, who will be led by captain Rebecca Tavo, while providing competition will be the likes of England, Canada, US and South Africa.
Tavo was part of the squad that lifted that trophy in Dubai in 2009, but she knows there is a tough task ahead if her side is to repeat that feat. "I know England will be out for revenge. We had to play them in the quarter-final in 2009. They are a very fit and strong team and probably our biggest competition," Tavo said.
"Obviously the US and Canada have gifted and aggressive athletes. China has improved so much. Their forwards were bigger than ours and they have one or two sprinters that just missed out on Olympic selection. Although I bet the surprise package will be South Africa. Just like their men's side, they're fast, agile, skilful and smart. We have to be very wary of them," added Tavo.
Australia have been grouped together with Canada, Spain and Brazil in Pool A, while Pool B is made up of the US, England, South Africa and China.
Highest level
The teams are relishing the opportunity to participate at the highest level in Dubai. Captain of the South African side Mandisa Williams said: "Without a doubt, this is one of the most important tournaments for the development of the game, particularly as the standard of the competition is so good."
Spanish captain Isabel Rodrigues added: "Women's rugby is a growing sport with few opportunities to play, so this tournament is another important step to take women's rugby forward."
First up in the Dubai tournament will be US v South Africa at 11:20am on Friday, December 2. They'll be followed by England v China at 11:42am, while Australia get their campaign under way against Spain at 12:18pm, followed by Canada v Brazil at 12:40pm. Captain of the US side, Beth Black, said: "Any time you get this amount of support we have to be thankful and make certain that we raise the level of expectations. When we do this, then more support will follow,
"You only improve as a team by competing against other teams at the highest level. This gives all nations with a competitive women's sevens team the opportunity to prepare and challenge for a spot at the Olympics," added Australia's Debby Hodgkinson.
Tickets to watch the teams in action at the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens are still available on www.dubairugby7s.com and from selected Costa and MMI outlets, Virgin Megastores, selected Eppco stations, Emirates headquarters, dnata offices and The Sevens stadium.
