England drawn against South Africa in Dubai Rugby Sevens

England have been handed an early chance to take revenge for their recent World Cup final defeat by South Africa after being drawn against their great rivals in pool play at the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens later this month.

South Africa, bidding for their second successive Dubai title, are fourth seeds for what is traditionally the opening tournament in the IRB World Series. And Paul Treu’s squad have also been matched with Canada and Tunisia in Pool D.

New Zealand, who six months ago won back their World Series crown, have been named top seeds for the Dubai competition but face tough first day games in Pool A against unpredictable France, fast improving Scotland and local favourites Arabian Gulf.

Second seeds Fiji, meanwhile, will have their work cut out in Pool B after being drawn with World Cup surprises Argentina, Australia and Zimbabwe.

And Pool C sees Samoa, the winners of tournaments last season in Wellington and Hong Kong, matched with Wales, Kenya and an ambitious USA outfit.

Gary Chapman, President Group Services and Dnata, Emirates Group, said, “The standard and quality of play on the first day of the IRB tournament has improved out of sight in recent years, but this promises to be the best we have seen in Dubai.

“The last four group matches on the Friday see New Zealand facing France, Fiji taking on Australia, Samoa playing Wales and then South Africa ending the day by coming up against England. It’s a mouthwatering prospect for rugby followers.”

The award-winning Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens starts on Thursday November 29 with dozens of matches on four pitches involving social sides in a range of competitions, and continues with the 16-team IRB tournament taking centre stage on Friday November 30 and Saturday December 1.

Emirates International Trophy Draw

Pool A: New Zealand, France, Scotland, Arabian Gulf.
Pool B: Fiji, Australia, Argentina, Zimbabwe.
Pool C: Samoa, Wales, Kenya, USA.
Pool D: South Africa, England, Canada, Tunisia

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