Following the UAE Rugby Association taking over the reigns as the governing body of rugby in the UAE at the start of this year, this will be the first time that the players who formerly played alongside Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi will play as just one nation.

The December 1st – 3rd event is likely to provide one of their toughest challenges to date, but it is one the players are relishing.

“It’s really exciting to be part of a great event like the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens,” said Yousef Shaker, one of the Emirati players, whose brother Mohanned is also a seasoned Sevens player and hopeful member of this inaugural squad.

“Playing on home ground is always something special but to be able to do that in front of such an amazing crowd is very unique and the team are training hard so that we can make our country proud,” he added.

New Zealander, Wayne Marsters, has taking the reigns as coach of the side and sees this opportunity to compete against the best Sevens sides in the world as one which can only benefit his team.

“Playing against the best professional teams in the world is going to be a massive challenge but our guys are really looking forward to having this opportunity and learning from it,” he said.

“They will be giving their all out there and will gain so much from this experience,” added Marsters.

“It is a landmark moment in the history of the event and we all look forward to watching our home team participating at the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens for the first time,” said Gary Chapman, President Emirates Group Services & dnata.

“It is fitting that they will make their first appearance on National Day providing us with one more reason to celebrate. These are exciting times for rugby in the Middle East and we wish the team all the best – I have no doubt they will have plenty of support from the passionate home crowd,” added Chapman.

The full line-up of international men’s teams competing in the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens is: Argentina, Australia, Canada, England, Fiji, France, Kenya, New Zealand, Portugal, Samoa, Scotland, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, USA, Wales, Zimbabwe.

Tickets for the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens are on sale through www.dubairugby7s.com and the following outlets:

* Costa: Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall, Mirdiff City Centre, Arabian Ranches, JBR, Festival City, Al Wadha Mall (Abu Dhabi)
* MMI : Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta Mall, Al Wasl Road, Sheikh Zayed Road, Motor City, Al Hamra Cellar (RAK)
* Virgin Megastores: JBR, Mall of the Emirates, Mercato, Burjuman, Mirdiff City Centre, Deira City Centre, Dubai Mall, Abu Dhabi Mall
* dnata Travel Centres: Sheikh Zayed Road, JBR, Palm Jumeirah, Motor City
* Emirates Headquarters
* 7he Sevens
* ITP Box Office (Dubai Media City)

Spectators can make the most of the free entry on Thursday, 1 December.
Other prices are:
Friday: Dhs 230
Saturday: Dhs 230
Season tickets (Friday & Saturday): Dhs 350

Children under 12 years of age gain free general admission provided they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Reserved seating and corporate hospitality packages are still available. These can be booked online at www.dubairugby7s.com or for more information, call the Promoseven Sports Marketing office on +971 4 321 0008.

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