The Emirates Rugby 7s is the ultimate fast and furious rugby union tournament and one of the highlights on Dubai’s sporting calendar. Ask anyone who has been and they’ll tell you it’s an excellent day-out; whether you like rugby or not.
The idea behind Rugby 7s is that the day can be crammed with back-to-back matches meaning there really is no time to be bored. We lost count of how many have been published on the fixtures list...
Event details
When December 3 to December 5, 2015. Gates open at 7.30am, first match at 9am
Where Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens Stadium, E66 Dubai-Al Ain Road
How much
| Day | Date | Online | On day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thurs | Dec 3 | Free | Free |
| Fri | Dec 4 | Dh300 | Dh400 |
| Sat | Dec 5 | Dh300 | Dh400 |
Children under-12 free. You can reserve a seat for Dh700. Buy tickets here.
Watch live If, for whatever reason, you can’t make it along, then you can watch all the action live here.
Get socialJoin the trend by using the hashtag #Dubai7s or send them a message directly on Twitter @Dubai7s. You can also show off your mad costumes by using the hashtag #EverybodyPlay.
Get the app Download the official Rubgy 7s app here for Apple and Android.
The format A normal rugby union match lasts for 80 minutes (two 40 minute halves) and consists of 15 players on each team. The Rugby 7s takes the idea and shrinks it. Each team fields seven players who play an intense 14 minute match (two seven minute halves). During the finals, matches are extended to 20 minutes.
The teams line up with four full-backs and three forwards, with five available substitutes. The pace of the games is usually fast-moving, with less scrums and line-outs called by the officials.
Teams Both men’s, women’s and junior teams take to the pitch, with many rugby-nations fielding national teams. Teams are put into pools and play each other in a knock-out tournament.
Pitches There are eight pitches, including the main Sevens Stadium pitch itself.
Schedule You can view the full fixtures list here.
There aren't just rugby teams at the 7s. Cheerleaders are well-represented too
Transport
Parking There are over 12,000 free car parking spaces on site Taxis Over 2,000 taxis will be lined up after the event but expect queues to be long Free bus A free service is on hand to ferry you back to Dubai. There will be a number of pre-determined destinations, just make sure you chose the one closest to where you’re going.
What’s going on
There is a lot going on over the three days at the Sevens Stadium that you may struggle to fit it all in.
Costumes
If you think turning up in your British and Irish Lions or Wallabies shirt is going to stoke up the banter to the max then you’re gravely mistaken.
Get a group together and go in costume
It has become something of a tradition to visit the Rugby 7s in costume. You can dress up as anything you like – so long as you remember the simple decency laws in the UAE. It’s also worth remembering that, despite it being winter, it can still be quite warm. Therefore, spending the day in a gorilla suit may not be as comfortable as initially hoped.
The Village
The Rugby Village is the ideal place to hang out and explore whenever you need a break from the on-pitch action. There is much in the way of entertainment and even some exhibitions too. You can grab a bite to eat or enjoy a sneaky drink with your voucher book.
For the kids
There's plenty for children to do as well
Children are in no danger of getting bored. They can learn circus tricks, have a go at new activities in the HSBC World of Sport, face-painting, bouncy castles and more.
For those who still act like kids
Rugby Rock on Friday and Saturday night is an great post-match gig and will certainly keep adult rugby-fans going long after the final whistle and into the night.
For proper rugby fans
If, however, you’re going for the rugby and little more, then you’ll be pleased to know that there is a dedicated Results Centre. Check out how your team is doing and find out when and where they play next.
Contact
Phone 04 321 0008 Website Rugby 7s
