7s tickets selling fast as rugby fever hits Dubai

The massive interest generated by the crunch opening pool match between Australia and New Zealand as well as that of Scotland against England has already resulted in tickets being sold out at certain venues, while the biggest ever gathering of international invitational and social sides in the event's 35-year history means rugby fever has gripped the city.

'With the Emirates Airline Dubai 7s also embracing the UAE National Day holiday weekend, spectators are planning their break around the rugby and buying tickets well in advance,' said Gary Chapman, President of DNATA and Associated Companies, Emirates Group.

'However, at the rate the tickets are selling now, spectators who are leaving it to the last minute to buy will ultimately be disappointed. The capacity of the stadium has been increased again this year to 25,000 but we're still going to have the ground full. My advice to fans is to make sure they have their tickets in hand well in advance and then look forward to a tremendous three days of rugby.'

Celebrating its 35th anniversary, the 2004 Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby 7s - to be staged at the Dubai Exiles Rugby Club from December 1-3 - will be the opening round of the IRB Sevens in what is also 7s World Cup year.

New Zealand, four times winners in Dubai and runners-up in 2003, will be back determined to regain their crown but the world's leading Sevens nation won't have it all their own way with England, Argentina, Canada, Fiji and the defending champions South Africa all equally determined to steal a march on the All Blacks.

'It's an illustrious line-up and that is being recognised by those rugby followers who have already made sure of their places at the 7s by buying their tickets well in advance,' added Chapman.

Season tickets for the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby 7s are available from all MMI outlets, the Dubai Exiles, Long's Bar, Left Bank, the DNATA Airline Centres, Sharjah Wanderers, Virgin Megastore, HSBC Jumeirah and Hallmark outlets.