Dubai: The cream of Sevens rugby players have started arriving in Dubai as the countdown begins for the Emirates airline Dubai Rugby Sevens which kicks off on Thursday,
Landing in the past couple of days, the teams have now started training in earnest ahead of the first round of the IRB Women’s Sevens World Series which starts on Thursday, and the second round of the HSBC Sevens World Series which starts on Friday.
The competition this year will be particularly intense as the top-four overall finishers in both the men’s and women’s World Series will automatically qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games.
The famous Royal Marines Band, which is being flown in for Sevens for the first time, is set to enthrall the crowds at the three-day extravaganza this weekend. The band’s musicians, who are regarded as one of the most outstanding ensembles in the military music world, will perform on Pitch 1 on Friday and Saturday evening.
Between 2 pm and 4 pm on Thursday, members of the band will also perform in the Rugby Village and sign autographs for children, before wrapping up with a marching routine as a taster of what to expect from the full band in Friday’s performance.
On Friday, the entire 40-strong band will be the main attraction of the Grand Parade on Pitch 1 at 7 pm when they will lead the teams around the Pitch. They will perform again on Pitch 1 on Saturday at 8pm, playing a selection of modern and popular classics, before performing the national anthems of the finalists prior to the Emirates Cup final.
Based primarily at HMS Nelson in Portsmouth, England, the Royal Marines are world-famous for their military music, but have a huge repertoire including film music. Formed 111 years ago, their primary role has been to provide musical support for the Royal Marines and Navy, at functions and ceremonial events. Their trademark stirring, uplifting themes have made them a perfect match for sporting events in the past, and will add greatly to the rugby atmosphere at The Sevens.
Looking forward to performing at The Sevens, Captain Andrew Gregory, Director of Music, the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland said: “Performing at sporting events has always been special for us. We’ve also played at sporting venues like Lord’s cricket ground and Twickenham rugby stadium in the past, as well as in the FA Cup Final some years ago.”
