Preparations for the World Cup Sevens on track

Dubai: With six months to go until the start of Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 in Dubai, preparation is well underway.

The 2009 tournament, which kicks-off on March 5, will feature a women's competition running alongside the men's for the first time, is on course to reach new heights.

Up to 120,000 supporters are expected to attend the tournament at the purpose built stadium The Sevens over the three competition days.

Kit McConnell, Head of the Rugby World Cup, and Sevens Tournament Director Beth Coalter recently travelled to Dubai for an update on preperations for the competition.

Coalter said: "It is amazing to see the progress that has been made on the stadium site since our last visit only three months ago.

"Now that the building housing the changing rooms and other facilities has been erected, it really is beginning to take shape and we can visualise just how impressive the new facility will be.

"Rugby supporters from all over the world travelling to Rugby World Cup Sevens are sure to enjoy the world class facilities. It's sure to be a memorable Rugby tournament.

Seedings announcement

"We will be announcing the seedings and the competition schedule at the Asia qualifiers in Hong Kong next month, which will have a mix of men's and women's games being played across two pitches," added Coalter.

Many nations have already qualified for the tournament but the line-up will be completed in two months.

"The qualifying process has been a huge success," said Coalter.

"It is the largest ever qualification process for a RWC Sevens with 87 men's teams and 83 women's teams attempting to fill the places."