RAF Rises to the Dubai Sevens

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The Emirates Dubai Sevens is now the largest 7s competition of its kind in the world. Over the three days of competition some 120 000 people attend the event, held annually in the Middle East. It is unique in that social teams get the opportunity to compete alongside the best the world has to offer. Over 120 teams compete in 12 different classes over the three days, culminating in the final of the IRB Sevens match, held on the Saturday night. This year a brand new stadium was completed, some 25 miles outside the city, boasting 6 pitches, swimming pools, training facilities and a 50 000 seater stadium. Teams all had the opportunity to play on the main pitch in front of 50 000 screaming fans – an opportunity not available anywhere else in the world. Players mixed on the training area with the likes of England and the All Blacks, and the king of 7s, Serevi, was back to coach the Fiji team. Indeed the ‘Sons of Serevi’ team were also on show – a true sign you’ve reached greatness when a team is named after you!

This year, the RAF was to contribute two teams, in the form of RAF Leuchars and RAF Brize Norton. The purpose of the tour was to expose more stn level players to the thrills of 7s, and also to bring on new players for the RAF 7s Squad. Given their experience, Brize were to play in the International Open event and Leuchars were to play in the International Social. Competition was mixed. In their group Brize faced teams such as HMS Lancaster, but also the Pyrenees 7s and Atlantic Invitational – aka the Springbok U19 development side. Leuchars were thrust firmly into the Middle East, with matches against Islamabad and Tehran in their opening group matches.

Both teams had undergone intensive 7s training for some 6 weeks prior to the tournament, and were keen to get into action. A day’s training was held on arrival in Dubai, and the next day was straight into the competition. Each team plays up to three group matches and then it’s into the knock-out stages on day 2 of the competition. The winner and second placed team went into the trophy quarter-finals, whilst the 3rd and 4th placed teams went into the plate competition.

It was commented upon by several players that they had never been so well bullied by a bunch of boys!!! (no one had read Atlantic the script) There is however a bright note in that this tournament showed the potential that we have in The RAF for good 7s, given the right preparation and conditioning we can produce some outstanding 7s Rugby. If we can extend the period from 3 mins to 14, against the best opposition that is on offer we can amply display The RAF’s talent and true spirit!!

All in all, the Dubai 7s, is an experience not to be missed, whether as a spectator or competitor. The electric atmosphere, the quality of rugby, the size of the event. No other stage allows amateur players to play in front of such a crowd, and in such an environment. Both teams, gave their all, and performed well in thrilling contests, against some of the best teams around. Dubai provides a perfect platform to inspire the RAF 7s players of the future.

Please click on the links to read how each game went.