The Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens will once again launch the International Rugby Board (IRB) Sevens World Series - and 7DAYS is delighted to announce this morning that it has been named as the event's official newspaper. Held from November 30 to December 2, the Middle East's leading sporting and social weekend will kick-start the IRB Sevens global circuit for the sixth consecutive year.
The three-day extravaganza last year attracted 70,000 spectators, and 150 teams from around the world. And it's that combination of action, fun and entertainment that prompted 7DAYS to bid to become the event's official newspaper. We'll be reporting on the build up to the event, with coverage reaching a peak in November as the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens approaches.
We'll be talking about the event in the same language as those who play and watch it too it's a huge sporting and social event for Dubai and it puts the city on the world map. Donal Kilalea, Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens Tournament Director, said: "We are delighted to have 7DAYS as the official newspaper of the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens.
"7DAYS has become the leading targeted free newspaper in the UAE and the opportunity to have them as the official newspaper will bring strong benefits to the tournament." Gemma McKeown, 7DAYS' marketing manager said: "It makes absolute sense for 7DAYS to act as the daily press platform for the promotion of the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens 2006. Not only do we consistently reach the audience that the event is targeted to, but also our product and brand is perfectly matched to be associated with such an energetic and social sporting event. As a community newspaper we will ensure that our readers are fully informed of all aspects of the event and fully immersed in the excitement that surrounds it. 7DAYS is proud to be associated with such an acclaimed sporting event which hosts some of the finest international rugby figures as well as attracting spectators and press from around the world."
In the weeks leading up to the tournament, 7DAYS will be featuring interviews with the leading players, organisers and sponsors of the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens. We'll be bringing readers the very latest ticketing and entertainment information, as well as producing maps and guides to the event to ensure that everyone enjoys it to its fullest. And, as always, the voice of the public of Dubai will play a prominent role in our coverage. We'll be giving spectators at the event their chance to nominate their players, and play of the day, and to choose their favourite Sevens song.
A week before the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens, we'll be devoting an entire issue of our Friday Seven magazine to the event. And there'll be extensive daily coverage of the event in 7DAYS on each day including a special Saturday edition of 7DAYS on December 2 Organisers of the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens are currently confirming the line-up of IRB teams which will compete, but reigning champions England have already expressed a desire to win a third consecutive Dubai title. They will face stiff competition against a confident Fijian outfit who were crowned the 2005/2006 IRB World Sevens champions for the first time ever following their win at the Emirates Airline London Sevens in June.
South Africa, New Zealand, Argentina and Australia will also be looking to end England's recent domination of the Emirates International Trophy. The Dubai tournament, which is now in its 37th year, has tripled in size since 2001, underlining the incredible growth the event has enjoyed since it was introduced to the International Rugby Board's Sevens World Series in 1999.
The event sold out on the final day for a second consecutive time last year with 30,000 passionate spectators filling the world-class free-standing stadium at the Dubai Exiles Rugby Club. The Dubai Sevens was also voted by the general public as the 'Best Sporting Event' at the What's On Awards for a fourth consecutive year. "It truly has become the people's choice of sporting event and if the past two years are anything to go by we strongly encourage people to buy their tickets early to avoid disappointment," Gary Chapman, President Group Services and Dnata, Emirates Group, added.
Tickets for the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens will go on sale from mid-October.
Stat scrummage...
The Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens takes place at the Dubai Exiles rugby ground from 30 November to 2 December 2006.
The 2006 event will be its 37th year.
Emirates Airline has been the official sponsor of the Dubai Rugby Sevens since 1988.
The first day consists of local and international invitational teams in action with days two and three seeing the 16 international sides compete for the Emirates International Trophy.
Over 2,000 players will take part.
More than 12,000 overseas visitors will attend.
The Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens is the first round of the International Rugby Board Sevens World Series.
England have been the Dubai Sevens champions for the past two years, beating Fiji in both finals.
The temporary stadium constructed at the Exiles Ground can hold over 28,000 people. Work starts on the stadium three months before the tournament begins.
In 2005 TV coverage was beamed to 120 different countries which saw the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens watched live by a global audience stretching from Europe to Australia.
The television airtime has increased by 27 per cent from 2004 to a total of 155 hours of coverage with 94 of those hours broadcast live from the event.
The three-day event is brought to a close with 'Rugby Rock' featuring an international act yet to be announced.
The official web site can be found at: www.dubairugby7s.com
Tickets prices for 2006 are:
Season - Dhs 225
Friday - Dhs 125
Saturday - Dhs 175
Tickets and tournament details are available from the official web site: www.dubairugby7s.com
© 7Days 2006
