Dubai: The draw for the first round of the men’s and women’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series was made in London over the weekend.
Men’s series holders South Africa and women’s winners New Zealand will look to get their title defences off to a good start when the 10-stage series gets underway at the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens at the Sevens Stadium from November 30 to December 2.
The Blitzboks, who are also Dubai-leg defending champions and five-time Dubai winners, were drawn in Pool A alongside Canada, Kenya and invitational team Uganda. Pool B has a distinctly European feel with four-time Dubai winners England set to meet Scotland, France and the newly promoted Spain.
Olympic champions Fiji are drawn in Pool C with Australia, Wales and Russia, while record 12-time world series winners and six-time Dubai-leg champions New Zealand face the USA, Argentina and Samoa in Pool D.
Women’s series and Dubai defending champions, record four-time Series winners, and record three-time Dubai winners New Zealand are top seeds in Pool A where they will face the USA, France and invitational side South Africa on 30 November.
Meanwhile, Pool B sees Olympic champions, two-time Dubai winners and one-time series winners Australia take on Russia, England and Japan on day one while Canada, Fiji, Ireland and Spain are drawn in Pool C.
Tickets are now on sale for the Dubai Sevens and fans can save Dh100 if they buy them in advance. Admission is free on the Thursday, but Dh300 in advance or Dh400 on the day on both Friday or Saturday. Season tickets encompassing all days are Dh500 in advance or Dh600 on the day. Children under-12 go free. And special reserved seating and corporate hospitality packages are available through www.dubairugby7s.com.
You can purchase tickets via www.dubairugby7s.com or at selected outlets including Costa, The Toy Store, Hallmark, Prosport, Virgin MegaStores and Park n Shop.
