Dubai: Teams were announced for the men’s and women’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series on Wednesday ahead of the season-opening Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens at the Sevens Stadium on December 3-5.
New Zealand, South Africa, England, Australia, France, Wales, Scotland, Samoa, Fiji, Argentina, Kenya, Canada, USA, Portugal and Russia, as well as a yet to be confirmed Asian Sevens Series champion — expected to be Japan – will feature in the 10-stage 16-team men’s series.
Meanwhile, New Zealand, Australia, England, Ireland, France, Fiji, Canada, Japan, Brazil, Spain, Russia and the USA will take part in the six-stage 12-team women’s series.
This season carries added significance as teams build towards next summer’s Olympic Games in Rio in 2016, where rugby is returning after a 92-year hiatus, and renowned 15s players enter the abridged format to realise their Olympic dream. Over 100,000 fans and 4,000 players are expected for Dubai, the opening round of the season.
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 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.
