Dubai: Emirates airline is to be the Principal Partner of Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009, which will make history by being staged in Dubai for the first time.
The 24-team men's tournament and 16-team women's tournament, hosted by the Arabian Gulf Rugby Football Union, will take place on March 5-7, 2009 at Emirates' new state-of-the-art rugby complex, currently being constructed off the Al Ain Road close to Dubailand.
The event will break new ground by being the first ever Rugby World Cup to incorporate both a men's and a women's competition.
Premier supporters
The agreement to become Principal Partner at Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009, sees Emirates airline extend its rugby sponsorship portfolio even further, underlining the company's credentials as one of the sport's premier supporters.
Gary Chapman, President Group Services and Dnata, Emirates Group, said: "We are delighted to be supporting Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 and are eagerly looking forward to next year's kick-off.
"Emirates has a proud record of sponsoring international sevens rugby, which stretches back to 1988, and our involvement with Rugby World Cup Sevens enables us to continue supporting the global development of the sport and the growth of the women's game.
"We expect that TV audiences around the world in excess of 500 million people will tune into the event and we are preparing for crowds of more than 120,000 to pack the new stadium over the three days of the event. We will put on a show to remember."
Range of deals
Emirates airline has become synonymous with rugby thanks to a range of sponsorship agreements. It was Official Airline of Rugby World Cup 2007 in France and sponsors the International Rugby Board referees and match officials.
The IRB's International Rugby Yearbook is supported by Emirates, while the award-winning airline also backs the IRB's star-studded annual awards ceremony.
The 24-team men's tournament and
16-team women's event will take place on March 5-7, 2009 at Emirates' new state-of-the-art rugby complex.
