Piper’s welcome for globetrotting rugby players

The skirl of the bagpipes greeted rugby players at Newcastle Airport on Tuesday, as Scottish pipers were on hand to welcome three teams flown in by Emirates Airline to compete in the 125th Melrose Sevens, which takes place in Melrose, Scotland on 12th April 2008.

The ‘Shimlas’ from South Africa, Australia’s ‘Gold Coast Breakers’ and the Chinese Agricultural University team were all en-route to Scotland for this weekend’s historic event, of which Emirates, the Dubai-based international airline, is an Official Partner.

Gary Chapman, President Group Services and Dnata, Emirates Group, said: “Emirates is delighted to be involved in this milestone event, marking 125 years since the thrilling game of Rugby Sevens was born. Emirates has a proud association with Sevens events the world over so it is fitting that we are a partner of Melrose 125; flying in such exciting teams to compete helps to add to the richness and diversity of the event.”

This sponsorship is a further example of Emirates’ support of rugby sevens; recently announced as Principal Partner of Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 to be held in Dubai.

Emirates already sponsors four tournaments in the annual IRB Sevens World Series: namely Dubai, South Africa, London, and the series finale in Edinburgh. Emirates is also the shirt sponsor of the England and Samoa sevens teams, as well as being the official sponsor of the IRB’s international referees, the IRB Awards and IRB World Rugby Yearbook. In Australia, the award winning airline sponsors the Emirates Western Force Super 14 squad.

Serving 99 destinations in 62 countries, Emirates Airline has, since its formation, committed itself to supporting world class sport and now embraces a variety of sports as diverse as the locations to which it flies. In rugby union the airline was a Tournament Sponsor of Rugby World Cup 2007 and also has proud associations within, amongst others, the sports of football, cricket, horse racing, golf and sailing.