Dubai: Sponsors are always looking for fresh ways of supporting their investment, and those involved with backing the Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens are no different.
This year, aircraft manufacturers Airbus — one of the event’s main sponsors — have taken their involvement to a new level. Along with their role as sponsors, they will also be taking part in the event. They will be among the 213 teams taking part in this year’s invitation tournament from November 28-30.
“We have entered a team to take part in one of the best veteran tournaments around the world,” said company spokesman Pierre Ligneres. “The opportunity to play rugby and spend time with other teams from different nationality is very interesting. Several divisions of Airbus are represented, and our players range from 36 to 55 years. The common goal is to enjoy good moments together on and off the rugby field.”
Airbus, whose headquarters are in Toulouse in the south west of France, where rugby is a thriving sport, will not be turning up as rookies. They are already active in the 15-a-side game in France.
“We play all around the year against rugby teams from south-west of France, trainings are once per week and we play a match once per month,” Ligneres said. So what are the chances of a sponsors’ team lifting a trophy during the tournament?
“It would be lovely, but I don’t expect it for our first participation in the tournament,” Ligneres said. “Initially we want to play rugby, and have the pleasure of being on the field in a fantastic event, but we also want to meet and mingle with other rugby players.”
The Dubai Rugby Sevens is to take place from November 28-30 at 7he Sevens Stadium. This year, a record 213 teams, with over 3,000 players, will be taking part in the invitation tournament.
For more information about The Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens, visit www.dubairugby7s.com.
