News - 2009

Long Lunch set to whet the appetite for 2009 Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens

Rugby Greats confirmed for the popular Long Lunch as the countdown to award-winning Sevens begins

Dubai, UAE, July 15th, 2009: Momentum for this year's Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens is gathering plenty of pace following confirmation that two of the game's biggest names from the 60's will be in the city for the annual 'Long Lunch'.

The event traditionally marks the countdown to the Dubai Sevens and with Irishman Willie John McBride MBE representing the North, and New Zealander Sir Colin Meads representing the South, fans are in for an unforgettable afternoon of rugby entertainment.

"The Long Lunch has built up a huge reputation over the past few years and is a fantastic way to celebrate the kickoff to one of the region's most loved sporting events," said Gary Chapman, President Group Services and Dnata, Emirates Group.

"We are encouraging people to book their tables early to ensure they are part of a great afternoon of rugby tales from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres."

Although he played 63 times for Ireland in a 13-year international career, 11 times as captain, Willie John McBride will forever be associated with the British and Irish Lions, with whom he toured five times and won 17 caps. Although he had to play nine Tests before tasting success, he was a key member of two of the most successful tours in the history of the Lions - New Zealand in 1971 and South Africa in 1974.

Considered to be the most famous forward in world rugby in the 1960s, Meads was a regular All Black from 1957 to 1971, playing in 55 Test matches (4 as captain), and scoring 21 Test points. He also played in 15 Bledisloe Cup matches. He was named Player of the Century at the NZRFU Awards Dinner in 1999.

Meads and McBride are now good friends however faced off against each other numerous times on the pitch. Both are Members of the International Rugby Hall of Fame, so there will surely be tales a plenty from the two big men of 60’s rugby.

The banter will be controlled by New Zealand long distance runner and Olympian Richard ‘Dick’ Taylor, best known for winning the 10,000m at the 1974 Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, New Zealand.

“Both speakers are known for being engaging, animated and highly entertaining and will no doubt have the 600 plus guests hanging on every word,” said Mr. Chapman.

“The Long Lunch is one of those sporting functions that many people in Dubai look forward to all year. With Willie John McBride MBE and Sir Colin Meads as speakers, and Dick Taylor as MC, this year certainly promises to live up to all those high expectations. Both speakers are known not only for their ability to entertain on the rugby field, but also from behind the podium, with a wonderful combination of wit, humour and insight into the game of rugby,” added Mr. Chapman.

Every year the ‘Long Lunch’ acts as the perfect curtain-raiser for the Dubai Sevens, which in 2009 will see 16 international (IRB Sevens World Series) and a host of local and social teams battling it out from December 3rd to 5th at 'The Sevens', Emirates' purpose built sporting venue off the Al Ain Road.

This year’s Long Lunch will take place at the Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City on October 8th. The cost for a table of 10 is AED 4,500 or AED 450 per person.

The Long Lunch last year helped to raise over AED 20,000 for the PRA (Professional Rugby Players Association) and Wooden Spoon (supporting mentally, physically and socially disadvantaged children and young people) charities and all proceeds from this year’s event will once again support them.

For further details on the Long Lunch and Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens, please visit www.dubairugby7s.com