The Dubai-based airline, a strong supporter of Rugby both in Dubai and globally, will head the inventory of six official partners for Rugby World Cup Sevens which will be played between March 5-7, 2009.
“Rugby World Cup Limited is delighted that Emirates Airline will be the Principal Partner of Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009. Emirates has been a committed supporter of Rugby Sevens for many years and has a long-standing association with world-class sporting events. The appointment of a world leader in the airline industry as Principal Partner highlights RWC Sevens enormous attraction and prestige as a major event on the world sporting calendar,” said International Rugby Board Chairman Bernard Lapasset.
“We are also delighted to be making history in Dubai with the first Women's Rugby World Cup Sevens. We also have a wonderful opportunity to showcase the strong claims for Rugby Sevens to be included in future editions of the Olympic Games,” added Lapasset.
Emirates was an Official Sponsor of Rugby World Cup 2007, and currently sponsors the IRB Match Officials, the IRB Awards, the IRB World Rugby Yearbook and the IRB Sevens World Series Tournaments in Dubai, South Africa, London and Scotland. Emirates also sponsor the England and Samoa Sevens teams and the Emirates Western Force Super 14 team in Australia.
Gary Chapman, President Group Services and Dnata, Emirates Group, believes the stage is being set in Dubai for a Tournament to remember. He said: “Emirates is delighted to partner and support Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009. Construction work on the new Rugby complex is now in top gear with a target completion date of November, ahead of us hosting our regular IRB Sevens World Series Tournament which will give us an excellent opportunity to fine-tune arrangements for RWC Sevens in March 2009.”
RWC Sevens 2009 will incorporate 24 men’s and 16 women’s teams.
