Dubai: Tickets are now on sale for Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens on December 3-5, round one of the 10-stage 2015/16 HSBC World Rugby

Sevens Series.

Now in its 46th year, the annual three-day rugby tournament at the Sevens Stadium is expected to attract over 100,000 fans and 4,000 players.

There’s an added buzz to this year’s event as it forms the countdown to rugby’s return to the Olympic Games next summer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, after a 92-year absence.

Because of this an array of world class international fifteens players can be expected to step into the abridged sevens format in a bid to realise their Olympic dream next year. “We have seen the power of the Rugby Sevens go from strength to strength, and 2015 is a very special year for us as we will be watching the sport in the lead-up to its first Olympic appearance in Rio next year,” said tournament commercial and operations director Donal Kilalea.

“The Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens has grown dramatically, not only with our fan base but also with the level of players taking part in both the main tournament and the invitation tournament. We now have international players of a very high standard taking part which has the power to attract people from all over the world,” he added.

Tickets for the Dubai Rugby Sevens can be purchased online at www.dubairugby7s.com or at selected Costa, MMI, Go Sport and dnata outlets, Bidi Bondi, The Sevens Stadium and Park n Shop.

Tickets for Thursday, December 3, of the sevens are free, but for December 4 and 5 they cost Dh300 per day if purchased in advance or Dh400 if purchased at the gate. Season tickets, for both the Friday and Saturday, cost Dh500 in advance or Dh600 on the day. Children under the age of 12 go free on all days.

For the second year running, fans are invited to the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens Launch Party which will take place on October 4 at Emirates Golf Club from 6pm until late. Entrance is free but to be added to the guest list you can register at https://www.facebook.com/events/1695399454024185/