Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009, Dubai

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009, Dubai
5-7 March

More than 150 supporters travelled with Gullivers to Dubai for the Rugby World Cup Sevens and after many twists and turns, Wales were crowned World Champions for the first time after their surprising victory over Argentina 19-12.

On the first evening in Dubai, supporters enjoyed our exclusive Welcome Dinner, attended by Ben Gollings (IRB Sevens World Record points scorer), Ian Robertson (BBC Rugby Correspondent) and our own Gareth Chilcott - setting the tone for what would be a cracking three days of sevens rugby.

Hot weather greeted everyone prior to the event and with the new ‘Sevens’ venue looking ever smarter since the annual Dubai Sevens tournament back in November 2008, the scene was set for the pinnacle of rugby sevens and for the first time ever for the women's sevens as well.

In the men's the big four (England, New Zealand, South Africa and Fiji) breezed through the pool stages, avoiding each other in the quarter-finals, so everyone was expecting a more usual semi-final line up. But predictable it wasn't and Wales, Argentina, Kenya and Samoa had other ideas. It was the biggest and most exciting sevens shock, when the underdogs sent the big four packing!

It made for a rollercoaster in the semi-finals and after three hot, energy sapping days, outsiders Wales prevailed over Argentina in the tightest of finals. Whilst in the women's Australia got one over on their old foe New Zealand final by beating them 15-10.

The sevens circus rolls onto Hong Kong next and all the big guns will be out for revenge there!

If you missed out on the Rugby World Cup Sevens then why not join us for more fast paced action at the Dubai Sevens 2009 - the opening leg of the 2009/10 IRB Sevens World Series.