Holders South Africa and New Zealand drawn together as groups revealed for Dubai 7s

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Organisers of the Emirates Dubai 7s have on Tuesday announced the groups for the first leg of HSBC SVNS 2024 with exciting matches lined up as South Africa and Australia prepare to defend their titles in the UAE.

Taking place from December 1-3, The Sevens Stadium will welcome the 24 best men’s and women’s international rugby sevens teams for the series-opener.

Organisers also revealed that the sporting festival will feature cricket, rugby and netball masterclasses overseen by Emirates Dubai 7s sporting ambassadors and current and ex-professional stars.

Following back-to-back triumphs in 2021 and 2022, South Africa, who will be bidding for a hat-trick of men’s titles in Dubai, have been grouped with reigning HSBC SVNS champions, New Zealand, Samoa and Canada in Pool A.

Last year’s Dubai 7s men’s runners-up Ireland face Argentina, Australia and Spain in Pool B while Pool C consists of France, USA, Fiji and Great Britain. 

The women’s event is equally impressive with reigning Dubai champions Australia drawn alongside Ireland, Japan and Brazil in Pool B. World champions New Zealand, who finished second in Dubai last year, are in Pool A with Fiji, Great Britain and South Africa while Canada, Spain, USA and France make up Pool C.

All matches will be played on Pitches 1 and 2 with the top two teams and two best third-placed sides advancing to the quarter-finals as they look to continue their journey to Finals Day on Sunday evening.

Mathew Tait, Festival Director of Dubai 7s, said: “The draw for the first leg of the HSBC SVNS has produced some exciting fixtures that will showcase the very best of rugby sevens. With the Olympic Games taking place next year in Paris, the Emirates Dubai 7s will serve as a vital platform for the players to gain as much competitive action as possible ahead of the global showpiece event while vying for glory to become champions and taste success in Dubai.”

As well as the elite matches, the Emirates Dubai 7s packed schedule also includes a number of Invitational tournaments for the sporting extravaganza. Across the three days, there will be 16 rugby tournaments, six netball competitions, three cricket and fitness tournaments, as well as eight padel events, attracting nearly 5,000 athletes. Invitational schedules will be released on the Emirates Dubai 7s website in the coming weeks. 

Among the highlights is the fan-favourite International Vets tournament which is set to attract some of the sport’s biggest names including Ireland’s rugby union head coach and former England international, Andy Farrell, who will be supporting the team ‘Joining Jack’ in their quest to the finals at Dubai 7s.

The future stars of tomorrow will also take to Pitch 1 for the Gulf Under-19 Boys and Girls finals on the Saturday evening while 6 Invitational finals will be played the following day in what promises to be a vibrant atmosphere in front of thousands of spectators. 

Besides watching the action, spectators can also attend sporting masterclasses conducted by former and current sports stars and Emirates Dubai 7s sporting ambassadors.

In cricket, Georgia Elwiss and ex-England fast-bowler Darren Gough will be joined by Lancashire captain Keaton Jennings and former England international Alex Hartley for the sessions on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Rugby and netball masterclasses will also take place on Fridays with organisers set to reveal more details on its website and social channels in the coming weeks.

Simon Jelowitz, Head of Sports Operations at Emirates Dubai 7s, added: “We’re thrilled to confirm that Darren Gough, Georgia Elwiss, Keaton Jennings and Alex Hartley will be teaching the young stars of tomorrow in the cricket masterclasses in their roles as Emirates Dubai 7s sporting ambassadors. This is not only a great opportunity to learn from the best but also to meet their heroes and be inspired to take up the game in the future.

“Furthermore, with netball and rugby masterclasses also being held, there will be no shortage of sporting activities and music entertainment throughout the whole three days with something for everyone to enjoy.”