Dubai: Rugby World Cup winner Sonny Bill Williams will be a special guest at this year’s Dubai Rugby Sevens with the New Zealand forward saying he wants to add Olympic gold to his medal haul as he looks forward to next year’s campaign.
The All Blacks star, who played his part as New Zealand triumphed in the Rugby World Cup in the autumn, will interact with fans at the Dubai event, as the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series kicks off at the Sevens Stadium from December 3-5.
Williams though is looking to get in on the action of a potential Olympic medal when he joins the New Zealand Sevens squad in January.
After being named in coach Gordon Tietjens’ core squad to prepare for the Rio Olympic Games next year, Williams believes becoming an Olympian is the greatest feat an athlete can achieve.
“The thought of winning an Olympic Gold medal is unreal and this gives me a great feeling inside,” Williams said.
However, the 30-year-old, who famously handed his World Cup winners medal to a young fan, added: “But this is a long way off and for now I am concentrating on the World Rugby Sevens Series.
“I am very excited about attending the Dubai Rugby Sevens and whilst I won’t have the opportunity to play in this opening round, I am thrilled about my involvement in the Sevens and being part of one of the biggest tournaments in the Series, in Dubai.”
Tournament Director, Jim Fitzsimons said: “It is an honour to have such a great All Black join us at the Dubai Rugby Sevens as we kick off the first round of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series.
“The inclusion of Rugby Sevens in the 2016 Olympic Games means the standard of rugby being played just keeps on getting better and better and global attention on the sport is increasing. We are looking forward to following Williams’s journey in the All Blacks Sevens early next year.”
Tickets for the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens 2015 can still be purchased online at www.dubairugby7s.com. Ticket prices see Thursday, December 3 as free admission for spectators at the event, while on Friday, December 4 tickets cost Dh300 in advance and Dh400 on the day. Saturday, December 5 sees similar prices as the day before, with tickets costing fans Dh300 in advance and Dh400 on the day.
