Legends in the deserts

In an epic HSBC video released on Saturday, two teams captained by rugby legends Brian O’Driscoll and George Gregan prove extraordinary performance requires extraordinary training. 

The determination, grit and resilience of 10 fitness enthusiasts from across Dubai was tested to the limit last week as they starred in the menacing first episode of HSBC’s new 7s vs The World series, released on Saturday through HSBC Sport social media channels in advance of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series men’s final. 

Having been told by organizers they would be attending a Fijian inspired fitness session, the unsuspecting locals were astonished to find themselves lined up at the bottom of one of Dubai’s most imposing sand dunes, faced ominously on the peak by two of world rugby’s all-time greats, Brian O’Driscoll and George Gregan.

Separated into two teams, one championed by O’Driscoll and the other by Gregan, the amateurs were confronted by celebrated sevens super coach Ben Ryan, famed for his energy sapping fitness sessions on the torturous dunes of Fiji, who dared them to emulate the strength, resolve and mental strength of his Olympic gold medal winning side. Three lactic acid inducing challenges involving sprinting, teamwork and handling followed in a two hour challenge that tested the ability to think under pressure and showed just how dynamic and tough you have to be to succeed at the highest level of the sport.

When asked about the gruelling session, which also captured the light-hearted humour of rugby’s greats, long distance runner and former rugby player Niall McCague said:

“I’ve run marathons and taken part in numerous fitness challenges, but this training session was on a completely different level and gave a great insight into what makes the Fijians the fittest athletes in the game. The desert sand is so soft, absorbing any power and spring in the lower body and leaving the legs screaming with lactic acid. I’ve a new found respect for the Fijians whose gold medal is a testament to training like that day in day out. They’re extraordinary athletes, both physically and mentally.” 

For Ben Ryan, clearly at home in the surroundings of imposing dunes, there were no surprises in the reactions of the participants:

“Playing rugby sevens at the highest level demands everything of the human body, both physically and mentally and today has proven that achieving greatness doesn’t just happen overnight. We’ve had a lot of fun putting these fitness freaks through their paces, sapping their energy and spirit to show how rugby sevens has taken performance to whole new levels around the world.”

Legend O’Driscoll, who was in jovial mood throughout, testing the locals on their rugby and general knowledge in one of the challenges, added:

“I played XVs at an international level for many years, but the sport of rugby sevens now requires fitness in a completely different stratosphere. This group of amateurs thought that they would be taking part in an everyday fitness session, but we showed them how the best rugby players in the world need to retain skills and think clearly under pressure and fatigue, coping with lactic acid flowing through the body. Ben’s training sessions like this one with the Fijian team made them the best in the business and transformed the way the game is played.”

For Gregan there was a sense of relief that he wasn’t involved in the physical torture: 

“It was great fun giving today’s fitness freaks a taste of the brutal training sessions that the Fijian’s went through to become Olympic Champions! Their performance this summer has really helped to shine a spotlight on the sport and take it to new levels, inspiring new audiences and new players across the globe.” 

He added: 

“There is no better way to kick off the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series season and capitalise on the Olympic effect than by demonstrating the extreme fitness levels and mental and physical toughness required of these incredible athletes, but I’m glad I was team captain today and not on the receiving end!”

At the end of the sweat emitting challenges the winning team were crowned champions and were given VIP tickets to join the three legends at the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai. HSBC’s 7s vs The World will continue throughout the 2016/17 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, with more tests designed to lift the lid on why Rugby Sevens is one of the most dynamic and entertaining sports on the planet.

The Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens, the first leg of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, took place from Thursday 1st December to Saturday 3rd December. Over 100,000 sports fans walked through the gates at the Sevens Stadium across the three days of world class competition which saw New Zealand secure the women’s title and South Africa the men’s. Follow the conversation as the series moves on to Cape Town next week on @HSBC_Sport on twitter and HSBC Sport on Facebook.

Written by HSBC Sport

Highlights | Dubai Sevens Day 1

Pic: World Rugby

With Pool A wins over Wales, Argentina and Canada, Fiji finished day one of the Dubai Sevens in top position. Joined by South Africa, England and Australia, who also smoothed through the pool stage without a loss, the islanders qualified for the Cup quarter-finals and underlined their magnificent form. They will face France in the final eight tomorrow. South Africa, series runners-up for four years in a row, were the outstanding team in Pool B with victories over Scotland, USA and Uganda. The Blitzboks will play New Zealand in the Cup quarter-finals. 

England, runners-up last year in Dubai, won the pool decider in Pool C, beating the All Blacks as well as Samoa and Russia. They will face local rivals Scotland on the second day. In Pool D Australia, under the captaincy of Sam Myers, secured wins against Japan, France and Kenya. Head coach Andy Friend's side will play Wales tomorrow.

Dubai Sevens | Cup Quarter Finals

11:00 | Fiji vs France

11:22 | England vs Scotland

11:44 | Australia vs Wales

12:06 | South Africa vs New Zealand

Black Ferns succeed in Dubai

Pic: World Rugby

While the men’s team will continue tomorrow, the women’s finished the tournament today. Olympic Silver medallists New Zealand faced their archenemy Australia in the final. While the Aussies dominated the final in Rio, this time it was the Black Ferns who dominated. Tries from Portia Woodman and two from Rebekah Cordero-Tufuga were enough to seal the 17-5 win.

The Women's Sevens Series continues on the 3rd and 4th February 2017 in Sydney.

Quick Links

Dubai Sevens Women's | Results

Dubai Sevens Men's | Results Day 1

Dubai Sevens Men's | Fixtures Day 2

Sevens From Heaven - The Story of Fiji Sevens Rugby

In this documentary HSBC Sport follows back-to-back World Series champions and Olympic Gold medallists Fiji on their tough path to the top of the 7s game. Sit back and enjoy a brilliant piece of sporting history.  

Preview | Dubai Sevens

Pic: World Rugby

As the winter eventually arrived in this part of the world, 3400 miles towards east, the weather forecast looks much different. Sunny skies and 25°C - welcome to Dubai. A brand-new World Sevens Series is kicking off this weekend. Following a magnificent Olympic summer, the game is now being watched by millions of people around the globe. This season is vital and could give Sevens another huge boosts, so all eyes are on this first stop: the prestigious Dubai Sevens.  

WHERE AND WHEN?

The Dubai Sevens take place at the Sevens Stadium (Capacity 40,000) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from Friday 02nd and Saturday 03th of December. The amateurs and women’s teams already kicked-off yesterday.

The matches kick-off on Friday at 09:00 local time (05:00 UK time) and Saturday 09:30 local time (05:30 UK time). 

For a full fixture list click here.

WHERE CAN I SEE IT?

In the UK, Sky Sports will cover the tournament on both days. For a full TV guide click here, for any other country check out this helpful guide.

WHO’S THE FAVOURITE?

Back-to-back Series champions and Olympic Gold medallist Fiji start the season with a new coach, so it will be interesting to find out if Garth Baber can follow in the footsteps of former coach Ben Ryan.  

South Africa are among the top favourites this year, with a massively experienced squad, including stars like Kwagga Smith and Seabelo Senatla. England is also looking strong as they travel with plenty of exciting players from the Team GB Silver medallist squad to Dubai.

ONE TO WATCH

Fiji’s record breaking captain Osea Kolinisau is currently one of the most dangerous runners in the business. The 31-year old won the World Rugby 7s award this year and should be full of confidence to guide his team to another successful season.

THE POOLS

Uganda will make their Debut in the World Sevens Series and will be up against South Africa in their Pool B encounter on Friday, where they will also face Scotland and the USA. Pool A sees last season's champions Fiji drawn against Canada, Argentina and Wales, while Australia, Kenya, France and Japan have been drawn together in Pool D. England will battle against New Zealand, Samoa and Russia in Pool C.

Ben Ryan reveals insights about Fiji's success

Former Fiji and England Sevens coach Ben Ryan shares his secrets about Fiji's remarkable success at the recent #WorldRugbyConfEx in London.