Women to make their mark on the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens 2009

Part of the reason the IOC have already looked so favorably on the sport, is the phenomenal growth in the popularity of Sevens, not only among men, but particularly among women in recent years. Testament to this was that the Rugby World Cup Sevens held in Dubai earlier this year was the first to incorporate both a men's and a women's competition.

Many of those star players will be back in Dubai in a few months time, representing a variety of teams playing in the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens from 3rd to 5th December.

The numerous tournaments, involving over 150 teams, which take place annually, at the same time as the IRB series in Dubai, have in recent years developed into a top-class exhibition of Sevens rugby. This year will be no different with players who have previously represented 12 different international women's sides making their way to Dubai for the tournament.

Women from across the globe, from Brasil to Russia and Kenya to Thailand, have confirmed their participation and will converge on The Sevens to make their mark on one of the fastest growing sports on the planet.

"It is incredible to have witnessed the amazing growth of Sevens rugby over the years and we are relishing the prospect of hopefully celebrating the sport's inclusion into the Olympic Games programme in 2016,"

said Gary Chapman, President Group Services and Dnata, Emirates Group.

"The standard of the women's game has also come along in leaps and bounds in recent times and we are looking forward to welcoming many of the international stars who thrilled the Rugby World Cup Sevens crowds here in March, back again to compete in a variety of teams taking part in the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens in December," he added.