News - 2010

Fitzpatrick and White to Speak at Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens Long Lunch

DUBAI, UAE, 17 August 2010 – Two of rugby’s greatest icons will jet into Dubai for this year’s Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens Long Lunch.

This annual occasion, which marks the official launch of the city’s favourite sporting event, will take place on September 30 at Crowne Plaza, Dubai Festival City. Keeping the audience entertained with their insights and anecdotes will be South Africa’s World Cup-winning coach, Jake White and the most capped All Black captain, Sean Fitzpatrick.

“We are honoured to be having two of the most highly-regarded men in world rugby joining us for this year’s Long Lunch,” said Gary Chapman, President Group Services and Dnata, Emirates Group.

“Sean was one of the greatest players to have pulled on an All Black jersey and had an incredible career spanning the 80s and 90s,” added Chapman. “As for Jake – he did a remarkable job in leading the Springboks to World Cup victory in 2007 and I look forward to hearing about his experiences in one of the highest-pressure jobs in world sport.”

Fitzpatrick boasted a magnificent international career which began with his debut for the All Blacks in 1986 against France. He was appointed captain of the All Blacks in 1992 and played in 121 international matches, including 92 Test matches, a New Zealand record.

The highly-respected Fitzpatrick also holds the record for most Test matches as an All Black captain (51) and played in more Test match victories (74) than any other player, before retiring in 1997. White, meanwhile, is hailed as the man behind the South African team’s World Cup victory in 2007. Having taken over the reigns of the team in 2004, the former school coach successfully guided the Springboks from sixth position in the world rankings to number one, and was twice voted IRB

International Coach of the Year – in 2004 (after his side claimed the Tri-Nations trophy) and 2007, after their World Cup triumph.

“Both Sean and Jake are known as great speakers, and Dubai rugby fans are in for a real treat. We are encouraging the public to book their tables early to ensure they are part of a great afternoon of rugby repartee,” said Chapman.

Last year the Long Lunch helped to raise over Dh120,000 for charity. This year will be no different with the proceeds of the 2010 event going to three different charities: the locally-based Senses, Dan’s Fund for Burns (which offers practical help to burns survivors) and Wooden Spoon (supporting mentally, physically and socially disadvantaged children and young people).

For further details on booking a table at the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens Long Lunch, log on to www.dubairugby7s.com, email Joanita@promoseven.com or call +971 (0) 4 3210008.