Groups announced for 2023 Emirates Dubai Rugby 7s

Dubai: Organizers of the Emirates Dubai 7s have announced the groups for the first leg of HSBC SVNS 2024 with exciting matches lined up as South Africa’s men and Australia’s women prepare to defend their titles in the UAE.

Taking place from Dec. 1 to 3, The Sevens Stadium will welcome the 24 best men’s and women’s international rugby sevens teams for the series opener.

Organizers also revealed that the sporting festival will feature cricket, rugby, and netball masterclasses overseen by Emirates Dubai 7s sporting ambassadors and current and ex-professional stars.

Following back-to-back triumphs in 2021 and 2022, South Africa, who will be bidding for a hat-trick of men’s titles in Dubai, have been grouped with reigning HSBC SVNS champions, New Zealand, as well as Samoa and Canada in Pool A.

Last year’s Dubai 7s men’s runners-up Ireland face Argentina, Australia, and Spain in Pool B while Pool C consists of France, the US, Fiji, and Great Britain.

The women’s event is equally impressive with reigning Dubai champions Australia drawn alongside Ireland, Japan, and Brazil in Pool B. World champions New Zealand, who finished second in Dubai last year, are in Pool A with Fiji, Great Britain, and South Africa while Canada, Spain, the US, and France make up Pool C.

All matches will be played on Pitches 1 and 2 with the top two teams and two best third-placed sides advancing to the quarterfinals as they look to continue their journey to Finals Day on Sunday evening.

Mathew Tait, festival director of Dubai 7s, said: “The draw for the first leg of the HSBC SVNS has produced some exciting fixtures that will showcase the very best of rugby sevens.

“With the Olympic Games taking place next year in Paris, the Emirates Dubai 7s