From Russia with love — for the Dubai Sevens

Dubai: A Russian delegation visiting the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens in search of inspiration ahead of next summer’s IRB Rugby Sevens World Cup in Moscow is hoping to match the UAE event for crowds and atmosphere.

The sixth Rugby Sevens World Cup will take place from June 28 to 30 next year. It follows on from a successful hosting of the event in Dubai in 2009.

It’s likely to be the last World Cup, given the Rugby Sevens’ inclusion as an Olympic sport from 2016.

Officials are hoping to attract crowds of 50,000 to the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow in order to showcase Russian event organisation and hospitality ahead of the 2018 Fifa World Cup.

Alexander Katsnelson, Deputy Managing Director of the 2013 Rugby Sevens World Cup organising committee, said: “The one thing we would like to take away from our Dubai visit is the atmosphere. The crowd truly makes the sport what it is. “The facilities here in Dubai are first class. The Sevens Stadium was built for the 2009 World Cup, so everything is convenient and the spectators are well-catered for in and around the area outside the ground.

“We’ve experienced a great atmosphere, great organisation and technical services for TV and media have been nice to see.

“As a result of the crowds, sponsors in Dubai are evidently very interested in the tournament. They are investing to help promote the sport in the region and provide visitors with five-star hospitality. This is very important for the game and it’s good for us to see this first hand.”