Dubai: The first day of Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens on December 4 (Thursday), which will kick off the IRB Women’s Sevens World Series along with other side shows, will have free entry for all.
Australia, last year’s winners in Round 1 of the IRB Women’s Sevens World Series in Dubai, will start their campaign to defend their title at 11am on Pitch 1 when they meet South Africa, while dual Series champions New Zealand meet China at 11.44am. A total of 18 matches in the IRB Women’s Sevens World Series will be played on Thursday and this year fans get to follow, for the first time, the road to Olympic qualification.
The top four finishers at the end of the season in both the Men’s and Women’s Series’ will automatically qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics, where Rugby Sevens will make its debut, so the competition from the outset will be intense.
The popular Invitation Tournament, which this year features a record 224 teams, 3,304 players and 513 matches across 15 divisions, commences on the same day. Rated one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world, the Invitation Tournament will see competition in categories ranging from UAE national schoolboys, to veterans, and international open Men’s and Women’s Teams. This year sees another important step in the development of rugby in the region with the introduction of the Gulf Under 18 Girls category. With many current and ex-internationals also playing in the tournament, the quality of the competition will be outstanding.
The Rugby Village is offering an unprecedented array of games, competitions and activities this year, to make sure fans can enjoy more than just the world-class action on the opening day. And with the Sabaa 7s Kids’ club and Crèche also offering fun activities and services right 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 stands, and a free bus service to family drop-off points throughout Dubai operating from 6pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Expecting a cracker of a start, Tournament Commercial and Site Operations Manager Donal Kilalea said: “We are delighted that the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens will coincide with National Day celebrations and holidays this year. For anyone looking to have a great day on the Thursday holiday, The Sevens Stadium is the place to be.
“With the world class action on Pitch 1 in the IRB Women’s Sevens World Series, and a huge number of Invitation Tournament games featuring international players, there will be no shortage of great games to watch. And with all the excitement of our biggest Rugby Village yet, and free entry, it really is a day not to be missed.”
