RWC Sevens set for kick-off

See following release issued for Emirates Airline:

Dubai Set to Welcome the World at Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009

The finest Rugby Sevens players on the planet have arrived, the crowds are primed, and it’s now just a matter of hours to the kickoff of the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009.

History will be made this weekend thanks to the inaugural Women’s Rugby World Cup Sevens, which will run alongside the men’s tournament at Emirates’ sporting venue ‘The Sevens’.

A total of 24 men’s and 16 women’s squads will compete for the ultimate prize in Dubai, having emerged from the numerous qualifying battles, involving 87 men’s and 83 women’s teams around the globe over the past year.

Richard Vaughan, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, East Asia and Australasia, said:

“Emirates has had a long association with rugby both in the region and worldwide, and it is wonderful to now welcome the finest men’s and women’s Sevens players in the world to compete on the greatest stage the sport has to offer right here in Dubai.”

All the action will kick off at ‘The Sevens’ later today with an Arabian Gulf Youth Tournament.

Rugby World Cup Sevens matches will get under way when Wales take on Zimbabwe at 2am Friday (NZ time).

“Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 in Dubai promises to take the Sevens Game to new levels. Not only is it the biggest ever IRB tournament, promising fantastic action and a festival atmosphere, but it will also be a landmark event for Rugby as for the we look forward to welcoming the finest women’s players in the world to the inaugural Women’s Rugby World Cup Sevens,” said Bernard Lapasset, Rugby World Cup Limited Chairman.

“It is our aim that this tournament will leave a legacy, not only for the participating players and Rugby World Cup Sevens, but also for the continued growth and development of Rugby in West Asia,” he added.

“I would like to thank Principal Partner Emirates Airline and the Arabian Gulf for their superb organisation of this special event and their strong backing of Rugby in the Region and the host of official sponsors and suppliers for their generous support.”

ENDS

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