Dubai primed for RWC Sevens 2009

from ESPN Scrum:

With only 50 days to go until Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 kicks off in Dubai, event organisers are confident that the eagerly awaited three-day showpiece will set new standards on and off the pitch.

Over 100,000 people packed into the purpose-built ‘The Sevens’ stadium for the IRB Sevens Series event in Dubai in November and the magnificent venue is set to attract a similar crowd for the historic tournament that will see the world’s top men’s and, for the first time, women’s teams competing to be crowned world champions between March 5-7.

“Rugby World Cup Sevens is a major highlight of the global sporting calendar attracting supporters from all over the world for a three-day feast of world class international Rugby on the pitch and outstanding entertainment for all the family off of it,” said Rugby World Cup Sevens Tournament Director Beth Coalter. “Dubai 2009 promises to raise the bar once again. With an outstanding new venue, great facilities, including a Rugby village, the prospect of a record crowd, and the introduction of a women’s tournament for the first time, Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 is an event not to be missed.”

With the draw for the men’s and women’s tournaments taking place in Dubai on Monday, January 19, excitement is already building within the global Rugby Community ahead of a Rugby World Cup Sevens that promises to be the most open to date. The opening rounds of the grand prix style IRB Sevens World Series suggests that the competition will be fiercely competitive with Kenya and Portugal announcing themselves as genuine contenders alongside the likes of New Zealand, England, Fiji and Series leaders South Africa.

The women’s event promises to be no less competitive with the global qualification process providing more than its fair share of surprises with Thailand upsetting one of the tournament favourites Kazakhstan to qualify from Asia, while Brazil defeated Argentina to make history as the first qualifiers for the inaugural competition.

“We are encouraging anyone planning to attend what promises to be another highlight in Dubai’s sporting calendar to buy their tickets as soon as possible to avoid missing out,” added Coalter.