13 Oct 2006
Dubai: England and Fiji will head an impressive line-up of the world's best Sevens nations at this year's Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens.
Tournament organisers announced the 16 countries that will battle in the prestigious Emirates International Trophy on December 1 and 2 at the Dubai Exiles Rugby Ground.
England are chasing their third consecutive Dubai title but will face a stiff challenge from rivals Fiji who won last season's IRB Sevens Series and have also appeared in the past two Dubai deciders. Fiji made seven out of eight finals in the 2005/2006 IRB Sevens Series, winning four and added the series crown to their Rugby World Cup Sevens and World Games titles.
Also gunning for glory will be 2003 Dubai winners South Africa, Commonwealth Games Gold medallists New Zealand while powerhouses Argentina and France will be in the hunt once again.
"We have another superb line-up of top-class teams," said Gary Chapman, President Group Services and Dnata, Emirates Group.
The teams: Fiji, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Argentina, France, Samoa, Australia, Canada, Scotland, Kenya, Portugal, Wales, Arabian Gulf, Tunisia, Zimbabwe.
Gulf News 2006. All rights reserved.
