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Rugby sevens extravaganza

THE three-day Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens, a leg of the IRB world series, is one of the highlights of Dubai's busy international sporting calendar. This will be the last of the world event at the Dubai Exiles Club who have been great hosts for the premier rugby sevens chapter. With the closing down of the club at Al Awir, the gear shifts into a higher grade when the club will be able to host the event from the Emirates Airline backed permanent world class facility that is expected to be ready next year.

In its 38th year, the showpiece at the Dubai Exiles Rugby Club premises at Al Awir, are hosting over 1,750 players. All the top nations in rugby and the minnows gather for the sevens event, the first of the IRB world series every season. The temporary stands constructed at the Exiles two-pitch facility hold well over 30,000 people.

Since 1988, Emirates Airline have been sponsors of the championship which was won last year by South Africa.

The Springboks established itself as a new force in the sevens version of the game here after the Fijians, All Blacks, New Zealand, England and the Australians have all stamped their authority in this city. Tonight (Saturday), will be the showdown with the finale expected to bring out the best in hard fast running rugby. The impact on tourism is quite appreciable with space and accommodation being looked into for over 17,000 overseas fans through special packages.

The interest levels amongst the expats here and the fans abroad are high as usual with tickets being sold out fortnight before the event.

Another notable feature is the increase in television airtime by over 25 per cent in recent years to over 250 hours of coverage with more than 175 of those, broadcast live from the event. This in terms of Press coverage returns is well beyond the Dh15 million mark. The three-day event is brought to a close with Rugby Rock, featuring international rock bands and entertainment groups. A family's day out at the Exiles is certainly value for money.