Big guns jet in for strongest-ever Dubai Rugby 7s

'The grandstands are in place, the pitches are in superb condition and now we have 16 of the world's strongest nations with us here in Dubai,' said Gary Chapman, President of DNATA and Associated Companies, Emirates Group. 'The 35th Dubai Rugby 7s is the biggest yet with more teams, players, spectators and worldwide TV coverage than ever before.'

The three-day showcase of rugby 7s kicks off today with the opening matches in the International Invitation, International Overseas, International Vets, Gulf, Local Social, Gulf Vets, Ladies and U-19s competitions.

The following day, the international sides take to the field for the pool matches in the Emirates International Trophy, the first round of the IRB Sevens with defending Dubai champions South Africa, current IRB Sevens title holders New Zealand and England - who won more IRB Sevens tournaments than any other nation last year - starting as favourites.

In all, more than 350 games featuring a record 1,580 players will take place over the next few days. As well as the big guns, crowds from around the region are set to flock to the ground to see teams such as Doha, Bahrain and Kuwait in the Gulf Championship, as well as rugby league giants St Helens and top Sydney Premiership club Primax Randwick in the International Invitation.