Peter FitzSimons and David Duckham to Speak at Dubai Rugby Sevens 'Long Lunch'

The annual 'Long Lunch' traditionally marks the countdown to the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens and with former Australian international and bestselling author and journalist Peter FitzSimons teaming up with former England winger David Duckham, fans are in for an unforgettable afternoon of rugby entertainment.

“The Long Lunch has built up a huge reputation over the past few years and is a fantastic way to celebrate the kickoff to one of the region’s most loved sporting events,” said Gary Chapman, President Group Services and Dnata, Emirates Group. “We are encouraging people to book their tables early to ensure they are part of a great afternoon of rugby tales from the northern and southern hemispheres.”

FitzSimons is no stranger to the speaking circuit, having entertained audiences right around the world. There also seems to be no end to his list of achievements.

Apart from representing his country on the rugby field, the well-known sports columnist has written 18 books, speaks four languages, has interviewed a massive range of personalities, from George Bush and Sir Edmund Hillary to Jodie Foster, and presents both TV and radio shows.

FitzSimons broke into the Wallabies team for the first time in 1984 before heading to France and Italy. He represented Australia seven more times under coach Bob Dwyer, who spoke at last year’s Dubai Sevens ‘Long Lunch’, when he returned Down Under five years later.

Duckham, meanwhile, pulled on an England jersey a total of 36 times and has been described as a ‘weaver of magic’ and ‘one of the world’s finest players’, having also been one of the stars of the 1971 British Lions tour of New Zealand.

The agile winger who was known for his speed, strength and highly effective sidestepping was awarded an MBE for his services to rugby in 1977 and he is currently an Honorary President of the rugby charity Wooden Spoon, which aims to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in Britain and Ireland.

Every year the ‘Long Lunch’ acts as the perfect curtain-raiser for the Dubai Sevens, which in 2008 will see 16 international (IRB Sevens World Series) and a host of local and social teams battling it out from November 27th - 29th at 'The Sevens', Emirates' purpose built sporting venue off the Al Ain Road.

This year’s Long Lunch will take place at the Grand Hyatt on October 9th. The cost for a table of 10 is AED 4,500 or AED 450 per person.

The Long Lunch last year helped to raise over AED 20,000 for the PRA (Professional Rugby Players Association) and Wooden Spoon (supporting mentally, physically and socially disadvantaged children and young people) charities and all proceeds from this year’s event will once again support them.

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