Momentum for this year's Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens is gathering plenty of pace following confirmation that two of the game's most entertaining speakers will be in the city for the annual ‘Long Lunch'.
The event traditionally marks the countdown to the Dubai Sevens and with former Australian international and bestselling author and journalist Peter FitzSimons teaming up with former England winger David Duckham, fans are in for an unforgettable afternoon of rugby entertainment.
“The Long Lunch has built up a huge reputation over the past few years and is a fantastic way to celebrate the kickoff to one of the region's most loved sporting events,'' said Gary Chapman, President Group Services and Dnata, Emirates Group.
“We are encouraging people to book their tables early to ensure they are part of a great afternoon of rugby tales from the northern and southern hemispheres.''
Apart from representing his country on the rugby field, the well-known sports columnist has written 18 books, speaks four languages, has interviewed a massive range of personalities, from George Bush and Sir Edmund Hillary to Jodie Foster, and presents both TV and radio shows.
FitzSimons broke into the Wallabies team for the first time in 1984 before heading to France and Italy. He represented Australia seven more times under coach Bob Dwyer, who spoke at last year's Dubai Sevens ‘Long Lunch', when he returned Down Under five years later.
Duckham, meanwhile, pulled on an England jersey a total of 36 times and has been described as a ‘weaver of magic' and ‘one of the world's finest players', having also been one of the stars of the 1971 British Lions tour of New Zealand.
The agile winger who was known for his speed, strength and highly effective sidestepping was awarded an MBE for his services to rugby in 1977 and he is currently an Honorary President of the rugby charity Wooden Spoon, which aims to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in Britain and Ireland.
“Both speakers are known for being engaging, animated and highly entertaining and will no doubt have the 600 plus guests hanging on every word,'' said Mr. Chapman.
“The Long Lunch is one of those sporting functions that many people in Dubai look forward to all year. With Peter FitzSimons and David Duckham as speakers, this year certainly promises to live up to all those high expectations. Both speakers are known not only for their ability to entertain on the rugby field, but also from behind the podium, with a wonderful combination of wit, humour and insight into the game of rugby,'' added Mr. Chapman.
Every year the ‘Long Lunch' acts as the perfect curtain-raiser for the Dubai Sevens, which in 2008 will see 16 international (IRB Sevens World Series) and a host of local and social teams battling it out from November 27th - 29th at 'The Sevens', Emirates' purpose built sporting venue off the Al Ain Road.
This year's Long Lunch will take place at the Grand Hyatt on October 9th. The cost for a table of 10 is AED 4,500 or AED 450 per person.
The Long Lunch last year helped to raise over AED 20,000 for the PRA (Professional Rugby Players Association) and Wooden Spoon (supporting mentally, physically and socially disadvantaged children and young people) charities and all proceeds from this year's event will once again support them.
For further details on the Long Lunch and Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens, please visit www.dubairugby7s.com
