Pic: World Rugby
Dubai is the first of six events where the men’s and women’s competitions are played parallel in what promises to be yet another huge year for the sport with the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games next Summer.
Taking place at 7he Sevens Stadium from 5-7 December, the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and will bring together 28 of the world’s best rugby sevens teams for three days of back-to-back action.
Dubai is the first of 10 tournaments on the men’s series. New Zealand are defending champions in Dubai after they defeated the USA 21-5 in the final last year, their first victory in Dubai since 2009.
The Black Ferns won the women’s title in Dubai last year, having beaten Canada 26-14 in the final to claim a fourth title in the desert, and are bidding to become the first team to successfully defend the women's title in Dubai.
When and Where?
The Dubai Sevens takes place at the Sevens Stadium in Dubai (Capacity 40,000), on Thursday 5th until Saturday 7th of December. The matches kick-off on Thursday at 17:06 local time (13:06 GMT), Friday and Saturday at 11:14 local time (07:14 GMT). The final is scheduled for 19:02 local time (15:05 GMT) on Saturday. For a detailed schedule click here.
Where Can I See It?
Both tournament days will be broadcasted on Sky Sports in the UK. For an extensive overview of all other broadcaster check out this guide.
One to Watch
Fiji’s Jerry Tuwai is an absolute legend of the game and one of the superstars in the strong Fijian squad
At the women’s competition keep an eye on Ireland's Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe. She is fast, posseses an excellent and smart passing game and has a great game play.
THE POOLS
Men’s
Pool A: South Africa, Argentina, Samoa, Zimbabwe
Pool B: Fiji, Kenya, Scotland, France
Pool C: New Zealand, USA, Spain, Wales
Pool D: Australia, England, Canada, Japan
Women’s
Pool A: USA, Canada, Russia, Brazil
Pool B: Australia, Spain, Ireland, Fiji
Pool C: New Zealand, France, England, Japan
