Emirates Dubai 7s 2024 – Fan Guide To Everything That’s Happening
The Emirates Dubai 7s 2024 is the first leg of the new 2024-2025 HSBC SVNS Series and the sports festival will be held from Friday 29th November to Sunday 1st of December at The Sevens Stadium. We look at everything that has been announced for the fans from the entertainment to the rugby.
SVNS Pools – Emirates Dubai Sevens 2024
The main drawcard for the fans is the 24 women’s and men’s SVNS teams who will be playing in the first of seven legs this season.
Women’s Pools – Dubai 7s 2024
Pool A
- Australia
- Ireland
- Fiji
- China
Pool B
- France
- USA
- GB
- Spain
Pool C
- New Zealand
- Canada
- Japan
- Brazil
Men’s Pools – Dubai 7s 2024
Pool A
- France
- South Africa
- Australia
- Kenya
Pool B
- Argentina
- Ireland
- GB
- Uruguay
Pool C
- Fiji
- New Zealand
- USA
- Spain
Fan Entertainment – Emirates Dubai 7s 2024
It should be noted that to access the venue at the gates and your digital wallet to buy food & drink, as well as discounts, all attending should download the Emirates Dubai Rugby 7s App.
If you plan on making use of the Careem ride-sharing app – there is also a special discount of 30 per cent off if you use the code “Dubai7s“.
In terms of music entertainment, the Emirates Dubai 7s 2024 has lined up:
- Sugababes – the pop trio will be headlining the Rugby Rocks stage on Saturday 30th November 2024 (21:30)
- The Artful Dodger is also listed to perform the Beats on 2 stage at 4pm on Sunday afternoon, just before all the finals on Pitch 1.
- Stormzy – will be closing off the festival on Sunday 1st December on the Frequency on 8 stage at 21:30.
Emirates Fly-Over
The famous and must-see Emirates fly-over of the Emirates Stadium is scheduled to take place on Sunday at 15:42!
T-Rex Race
There is also a T-Rex race planned before the SVNS finals on Sunday 1st December – Just turn up in your costume at 5.30 pm for registration at the Rugby Rocks stage and be ready to race!
Kick Offs and Kick Ons – Dubai 7s 2024
The Kick Offs and Kick Ons will be hosting the popular podcast live from the Sunroom. The team from the Kick Offs and Kick Ons (KOKO) podcast includes former Wallabies Matt Giteau, Adam Ashley-Cooper, and Drew Mitchell, as well as James ‘The Professor’ Rochford will also be in Dubai.
Rugby Skills Sessions – Dubai 7s
Former England 7s player and current SVNS Series commentator Tom Mitchel and currently injured NZ 7s player Shiray Kaka will be running some Rugby Skills Sessions at the Emirates Stadium. The team from the Kick Offs and Kick Ons (KOKO) will be there!
The two sessions are planned for Friday, 29th November between 14:00 – 15:00 and 17:00 – 18:00.
Dubai Sevens Sports Festival 2024
It’s not just rugby as all of the SVNS events have taken on a festive approach and the Dubai Sevens Sports Festival 2024 includes Emirates Dubai 7s Rugby, Netball, Cricket, WodOn3 (fitness at the Emirates Dubai 7s), and Rebound (Padel at the Emirates Dubai 7s) tournaments
More information about the specific categories can be seen on their website.
The Sports and Entertainment Festival comprises of:
- 248 Rugby Teams – 16 Tournaments
- 90 Netball Teams – 6 Tournaments
- 32 Cricket Teams – 2 Tournaments
- 200 WODON3 Participants – 4 Categories
- 232 ‘Rebound’ Padel Players – 5 Categories
Read our article on some of the Asian-connected sides to keep an eye on this weekend!
International Rugby Divisions – Dubai 7s 2024
The Dubai 7s 2024 invitational match schedules can be found on the Dubai7s website and app.
The organisers say via the official handbook:
“The UAE Rugby Federation has followed World Rugby and other National Unions in implementing the recent Tackle Height Laws for the Community Game that were introduced at last year’s event. As such, all 16 Tournaments at the 2024 Emirates Dubai 7s will be officiated under the new Tackle Height Laws EXCEPT the International Invitational Men’s and International Invitational Women’s competitions.”
Some of the teams to keep an eye on are:
- The aforementioned 100 World Legends which feature all capped internationals are in
- We know that Hong Kong China has entered teams in the Men’s and Women’s International Open divisions (development sides playing as Dragons Men are in pool C, Dragons Women in Pool A).
- The Sri Lions have taken aboard a number of experienced players in addition to the Sri Lankan players. Simione F. Moala from Tonga (former national 7s captain and 3-time national champion), Fijians Rauto Vakadranu, Tira Welagi Patterson, Manueli Maisamoa, and Jope Tikoilepanoni, Jean van Schalkwyk (South African Sevens player), and Charles Philip Taylor (Australian Rugby 7s veteran and current Dubai Tigers player) – Pool A International Open Men.
- The Springbok Sevens ‘A’ and Springbok Women’s Sevens ‘A’ sides play in the Emirates Dubai 7s International Invitational tournaments.
- The Shogun Men’s team is back for the first time since 2022 – the Men’s side won the HKFC 10s in April this year and were runners-up in the Safari 7s 2024. Bulls (South Africa) based captain Gerrie Engelbrecht leads the side. They have joined forces with the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation South Africa – Pool B International Invitation men.
- Riyadh Rugby have announced a number of former internationals and professional players who will represent them in the Vets including; Matt Banahan, Tom Varndell, Tim Bateman, Willi Heinz, Hugh Pyle, Andrew Durutalo, Kane Thompson and Jacques Boussuge.
- The North American Lions are players who represent the USA/North America across the globe.
Yalla Rugby has also been running great interviews previewing some of the regional teams taking part.
- International Invitational Men
- International Open Men
- International Vets
- International Vets Social
- International Social Men
- International U19
- International Invitational Women
- International Open Women
Gulf Rugby Divisions – Dubai 7s 2024
- Gulf Men’s League
- Gulf Men’s Social
- Gulf Men’s Open
- Gulf Vets
- Gulf U19 Boys
- UAE National Schoolboys
- Gulf Women
- Gulf U19 Girls
Emirates Dubai 7s 2024 Tickets
The three-day event is free for families and fans to attend on Friday 29th November and tickets are still available for the weekend’s action. To attend for free on Friday – register on the website.
Emirates Dubai 7s 2024 Events
Rugby Matters Dubai 2024
Branded in partnership with World Rugby have organised the inaugural Rugby Matters Dubai this year following on from the success of events held in Hong Kong and Singapore.
Taking place at the Coca-Cola Arena on Thursday, 28th November 2024, this half-day rugby-focussed event offers insightful discussions, inspiring talks, and “exclusive networking opportunities with industry leaders, sports enthusiasts, and marketing gurus to explore the power of rugby and its impact on the global sports landscape.”
Speakers and attendees from across the Rugby and Sports landscape are confirmed; HSBC, Emirates, UAE Rugby, World Rugby, Wasserman, Asia Rugby, Sportian, SportFive, Asia Football Group, Nielsen Sports and Entertainment, LaLiga, International Cricket Council, twofour54, Publicis Groupe, UAE Rugby Federation and many more.
An Evening With Rugby Legends – Dubai SVNS 2024
The Unofficial Official Preview of Dubai SVNS with KOKO’ to the rugby on the weekend, this event involves the KOKO team and 100 World Legends at McGettigans JLT on Thursday 28th November 2024.
The show will run from 19:00 – 21:00 and raise awareness for the Movember Foundation and support Hope for Heroes the UAE’s largest disability charity for Children.
100 World Legends
A regular entry to the Dubai SVNS, the 100 World Legends features a star-studded lineup in 2024.
Players and ambassadors include:
- Bruce Reihana – New Zealand
- Bryan Redpath – Scotland
- Nili Latu – Tonga
- Fergus Thomson – Scotland
- Chris Masoe – New Zealand
- Sione Vatuvei – Japan
- Loti Molitika – Tonga
- Goncalo Foro – Portugal
- Delon Armitage – England
- Francisco Kikoila – Portugal
- Terry Bourahua – France
- Pedro Leal (Capt) – Portugal
- Gareth Widdop – England
- Sam Tuitopou – New Zealand
- Juan Imhoff – Argentina
- Duarte Moreira – Portugal
- Malakai Radikediki – Fiji
Ambassadors
- Colin Charvis – Wales / B&I Lions
- Tamara Taylor – England
- Serge Betsen – France
Al Noor & 100 World Legends Golf Day
You can also join Al Noor & 100 World Legends Golf Day, which is a charitable event organised by Esus in collaboration with the 100 World Legends, on Wednesday, 27 November 2024.
The event will support the Al Noor Rehabilitation & Welfare Association for People of Determination (“Al Noor”).
Rugby Sevens News 2024-2025
- Emirates Match Officials For HSBC SVNS 2024-2025 & World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger 2025.
- HSBC SVNS 2025 Final Schedule Confirmed.
- Fans Guide To HSBC SVNS Series 2024-2025.
- Kai Tak Stadium Confirmed As Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2025 Venue.