Emirates Dubai 7s Long Lunch 2026 Speakers Confirmed

The Emirates Dubai 7s Long Lunch announced the guest speakers for this year’s 2026 event, which takes place on September 4th, with former international Bob Skinstad (Springboks) and Michael Hooper (Wallabies) confirmed. The event will be hosted by former England rugby player Martin Bayfield.

The annual event fundraises initiatives for Dubai 7s for Good, and the organisers said online, “Bob and Michael will be joining us for a spectacular afternoon of great food and drinks as they share anecdotes on stage and mingle with guests. Already confirmed as host for the evening is England rugby’s Martin Bayfield, so it’s set to be another unforgettable Long Lunch afternoon.”

Bob Skinstad played for the Springboks (42 caps and 2007 RWC winner), Western Province, the Stormers, the Cats and the Sharks. He scored 11 Test tries and captained the national side 12 times. His post-playing career has seen him involved in several business ventures; he and All Black Andrew Mehrtens purchased a stake in the French second-division rugby club AS Béziers Hérault in November 2024. He serves as co-president, owner, and chairman of the Pro D2 club.

Michael Hooper earned 125 Test caps for Australia between 2012 and 2023, and a record 69 Tests as captain. The former Wallabies Player of the Year (on multiple occasions) was also the Wallabies Rookie of the Year in 2012. He also played in the JRLO with the Toyota Verblitz and works as a rugby pundit and media professional. He has previously worked at the Emirates Dubai SVNS as an ambassador – you can read more in our interview with him here.

The Emirates Dubai 7s Long Lunch 2026 will be held at the Al Ras Ballroom, InterContinental Hotel Dubai Festival City, 12:30-5:00pm.

The next edition of the HSBC Emirates SVNS kicks off the new season from 28-29 November 2026 at The Sevens Stadium.  Tickets are available from the 31st August 2026.

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