News - 2008

Double joy as Zimbabwe book their ticket to Dubai

Dubai, November 4, 2008 – Zimbabwe have been confirmed as the 16th international team to take part in the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens from November 27-29, 2008.

The Cheetahs booked their place at the tournament by finishing as runners up in a Rugby World Cup Sevens qualifying tournament held in Tunis last weekend.

By reaching the final of the tournament in Tunis, Zimbabwe made sure of their place in both the Dubai Rugby Sevens and the Rugby World Cup Sevens, which will be held at the same venue from March 5-7, 2009. Kenya emerged as winners of that tournament but because they are a core team in the IRB Sevens World Series, their place at the Dubai Rugby Sevens had already been confirmed, regardless of the outcome.

The Zimbabweans defeated Zambia, Botswana and Madagascar before overcoming Namibia in the semifinal and then losing out to Kenya 26-14 in the final. But that was enough to book their ticket to Dubai, in November and in March next year.

"It's a fantastic result for Zim rugby," coach Liam Middleton commented on the Zimbabwe Rugby Union website. "We were outstanding. The pressure was on, but we nailed it. We saw big performances from all players. We played well throughout the tournament and our qualification is exceptional for Zimbabwe."

The Cheetahs are no strangers to Dubai. They competed in the 2007 tournament in which they won the Shield competition, having defeated Tunisia 22-19 in a thrilling final. The Shield in Dubai was Zimbabwe’s first IRB trophy. "It was really important to us. In a number of games, we came very close to winning but fell short, which showed us that we can compete at a higher level, but it also pointed out that we were short of experience," said Bruce Hobson , the Zimbabwe Rugby Union president.

"Our congratulations go to the Zimbabwean Sevens team for qualifying for both the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens and the Rugby World Cup Sevens," said Gary Chapman, President Group Service and Dnata, Emirates Group.

"They have proven to be a very popular team here in Dubai and we are looking forward to welcoming them back for what promises to be an even bigger and better tournament this year at our new Emirates purpose-built venue, The Sevens," added Chapman.

The complete list of teams competing at the Dubai leg of the IRB Sevens World Series: Arabian Gulf, Argentina, Australia, England, Fiji, France, Georgia, Kenya, New Zealand, Portugal, Samoa, Scotland, South Africa, USA, Wales, Zimbabwe.

The Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens takes place at The Sevens, on the Al Ain Road just beyond the Outlet Mall, from November 27-29, 2008. There are 15,000 parking spaces available at the new venue and buses will be working overtime to transport fans from the venue back into various locations in Dubai over the weekend.

For more information on the tournament, log onto www.dubairugby7s.com.