IRB pulls out of Dubai Rugby Sevens

The Organisers of the Emirates-sponsored Dubai Rugby 7's are confident that an international rugby 7's event will be held in Dubai from November 7-9 despite the International Rugby Board (IRB) deciding yesterday that it is no longer a points-scoring round of the World Sevens Series.

The IRB took the decision after consultation with several unions who had voiced concerns over the current global unrest. However, a number of teams have expressed their wish to compete in Dubai and organisers are confident that an international event can still be held.

The World Sevens Series will now be launched the following weekend in South Africa. It was originally scheduled to follow Dubai as the second round.

"We are heartened that a number of unions have expressed a wish that they still want to compete in an international tournament in Dubai," said Gary Chapman, Chief Director Support and Development for sponsors Emirates Airline.

"Everyone involved in the Dubai Rugby 7's over the last 32 years has worked hard to elevate the event to the level it is at today and we are confident it will continue to be one of the world's top rugby spectacles."

The Dubai Rugby 7's will proceed with the usual domestic and social element of the tournament, and the international event will serve as a dress rehearsal for the World Sevens Series opener the following week.

Chapman added: "We are still expecting over 100 teams and over 1,000 players to take part in the Dubai Rugby 7's in the various tournaments that run alongside the main international event. We will remain in close contact with the international unions."

A spokesman for the IRB, based in Ireland, said: "The IRB regrets the current position and the action it felt was necessary to take. We wish the Arabian Gulf Rugby Football Union well in the running of the tournament in its revised format."

Work will continue on the specially-constructed 15,000 all-seater stadium at the Dubai Exiles Rugby Club, and tickets have been selling well as the event bids to live up to its reputation as one of the world's premier rugby festivals.