Be in Dubai for every World Cup try

Emirates, the Principal Partner of the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009, is offering rugby fans from around the world the opportunity to witness all the Sevens action live in Dubai from as little as US$121.

Taking place from 5th – 7th March 2009, the Rugby World Cup Sevens will, for the first time ever have a 16-team women's event running alongside the traditional 24-team men's competition.

Emirates’ spectacular sporting venue ‘The Sevens’ will play host to the tournament, which saw a sell-out crowd of 50,000 fans each day when the venue hosted the annual Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens. This time the sporting action on the pitch will be even more exhilarating and the legendary carnival atmosphere off the pitch even greater.

Emirates’ Rugby World Cup Sevens packages, starting from US$121 per person sharing, per night, for a minimum three night stay at a range of hotels, include breakfast, meet and assist on arrival at Dubai International Airport, a three-day Season Ticket to the tournament and transfers between the hotel and Dubai International Airport. Special Rugby World Cup Sevens fares with Emirates Airline, starting from US$150, are combinable with the hotel packages.

Gary Chapman, President Group Services and Dnata, Emirates Group, said: "One of the main objectives of our sponsorship philosophy is that we help in the further development of the sports that we are involved with; ensuring that rugby sevens is accessible to its global fan base is one of the ways we are able to benefit the sport.

"I am sure that sports fans from around the world will take up this opportunity to be in Dubai, for what promises to be a fascinating tournament."

For more information on Emirates’ Rugby World Cup Sevens packages log on ot emirates.com.

On the pitch, England, the top seeds in the women’s competition, will face Japan, Russia and USA in Pool B, while second seeds and Oceania champions Australia are joined in Pool A by Netherlands, France and China.

North America champions Canada will meet Brazil - the first nation to qualify for the inaugural tournament, along with Spain and Thailand in Pool C, with New Zealand drawn with South Africa, Italy and Uganda in Pool D.

In the men's draw, defending champions Fiji will face France, USA and Georgia in Pool B as they attempt to become the first side to successfully defend the Melrose Cup following their success in Hong Kong four years ago.

New Zealand, winners in 2001, are joined in Pool A by Tonga, hosts Arabian Gulf and Italy, while IRB Sevens World Series leaders South Africa find Scotland, Canada and Japan awaiting them in Pool C in Dubai.

Fourth seeds Samoa will face Australia, Portugal and Ireland in Pool D, while 1993 champions England tackle Kenya, Tunisia and Hong Kong in Pool E. The remaining pool brings together Argentina, Wales, Zimbabwe and Uruguay.

The six pool winners and best two runners up will progress to the Melrose Cup quarter finals, the four other runners up and four best sides that finish third in their pool will contest the Plate and the remaining sides the Bowl.