News - 2011

Giteau and Quinnell head to Dubai for Emirates Airline Rugby Long Lunch

Dubai - Australian flyhalf Matt Giteau and Welsh number eight Scott Quinnell will be jetting into the UAE for this year's Emirates Airline Rugby Long Lunch.

The annual event which gathers together over 700 enthusiasts for an afternoon of outstanding entertainment will see the two rugby internationals taking to the stage at Crowne Plaza, Dubai Festival City, on November 10 to share their insights and anecdotes on the game.

"The Emirates Airline Rugby Long Lunch consistently proves to be a highlight of the social calendar in Dubai and we're certain that will be no different this year with such a great lineup of speakers," said Gary Chapman, President Group Services and Dnata, Emirates Group.

"Usually this popular event is held in September, but we decided as it is Rugby World Cup year, we would shift it to November, when the action in New Zealand has come to an end and the new world champions have been crowned.

"Matt Giteau was part of the Australian national team until very recently and I have no doubt the Dubai audience will be listening with great interest to what he has to say about the team's performance at the World Cup," added Chapman.

"And Quinnell is a name which is synonymous with Welsh and Lions rugby, with his family having been so entrenched in the game for many years. He'll also be watching with interest how his beloved Welsh team performs in New Zealand in the coming weeks."

Giteau, who hails from Sydney, has represented Australia in 92 Tests and two World Cups. Having made his debut against England in 2002, he was named as one of the five best players in the world in 2004. He'll be heading to Europe next season, having signed a three-year deal with French Top 14 club Toulon.

Quinnell, meanwhile, made his international debut in 1993 and has represented Wales in Rugby Union on 52 occasions, having also enjoyed a stint playing Rugby League. He toured with the British Lions twice, to South Africa in 1997 and Australia in 2001 and has also represented the Barbarians.

For further details on booking a table at the Emirates Airline Rugby Long Lunch, log on to www.dubairugby7s.com to: For further details on booking a table at the Emirates Airline Rugby Long Lunch, click here.