It's the big kick-off for Dubai Sevens

KICK-OFF DAY: The Dubai Sevens event starts on Thursday. Here, last year's winners, New Zealand, celebrate. (Supplied)

The Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens kicks off on Thursday at the new home of rugby in the Middle East, The Sevens.

Dubai plays host to the opening leg of the IRB Sevens World Series on Friday and Saturday while the local and international club competitions kick off on Thursday.

Leading the charge for the Emirates International Trophy this year will be defending champions New Zealand.

The Kiwis were in devastating form last season as they powered their way to an eighth overall IRB Sevens World Series title in nine years.

They launched their memorable campaign with an impressive showing in Dubai last year, where they defeated Fiji in a thrilling final.

“Every year we always seem to be faced with the pressures of winning - even more so this year after a very successful World Series campaign,” said New Zealand coach Gordon Tietjens.

“But with Dubai being the first tournament of the series, every team wants to start well so the pressure applies to all teams.”

Speaking of who would be the toughest rivals to face, Tietjens added: “There are up to six teams that can win any of the tournaments if they are at their best. South Africa, Fiji, Samoa, England, Argentina and Australia will all be threats.”

The inspirational coach’s side will be the first to play on the new main pitch at The Sevens when they take on Wales in the opening fixture of the IRB tournament on Friday.

Last year’s finalists, Fiji, will be hoping to go one better than their runner-up position when they take to the new pitch. And helping them get there is legendary Sevens star Waisele Serevi, who has taken over the reins as coach of the side.

“I’m delighted to be back in the Fijian set-up and winning in Dubai is obviously my immediate aim,” Serevi said.

England coach Ben Ryan is also relishing the prospect of putting his troops to the test.

“We have become markedly better these last 24 months after a pretty unstable time. Now we are out the other side and suddenly everything is taking shape. We have come a long way, particularly in the last 12 months and I cannot wait to see the start of a new chapter for England Sevens starting in Dubai,” he said.

Samoa, Kenya and Argentina will also be teams to look out for, along with the rejuvenated Australian side, under the leadership of new coach Michael O’Connor.

And always the crowd favourite are the region’s own Arabian Gulf side, who have benefited greatly from training alongside the South African Sevens squad.

“This year is particularly exciting in that we will be welcoming record numbers of fans to our brand new purpose built venue, The Sevens, which we are confident will become the home of rugby in the Middle East,” said Gary Chapman, president Group Services and Dnata, Emirates Group.

“Just a year ago, when we looked out over the sand dunes, it was difficult to imagine what a spectacular venue it would become. But we are proud to say, the tight deadlines have been met and we are ready to welcome the world.”

There are 15,000 parking spaces available at the new venue and from 5pm, more than 170 buses will be working overtime to transport fans from the venue back into five convenient locations across Dubai.

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