Some 727 days after winning it in front of packed stands in Dubai, and six since winning it in front of empty ones, South Africa’s sevens team will begin the defence of their Emirates International Trophy.
The Blitzboks have long been the dominant force at the Dubai Sevens. Including last weekend’s behind-closed-doors tournament at The Sevens, they have won five of the last seven events in the city.
Unsurprisingly, given all that success, their squad is laden with skill, speed and flair – but they are not the only ones. Wherever you look at the tournament this weekend there will be talent on show.
Here are just some of the players to look out for.
Jordan Conroy (Ireland, Men’s World Series)
The leading tryscorer on the 2020 series has joined up with Ireland’s squad having missed last weekend’s tournament. First fixture: Friday, 10.50am, Pitch 1 – Ireland v Great Britain
Selvyn Davids (South Africa, Men’s World Series)
Scored six tries as the Blitzboks made a winning start to their World Series campaign in Dubai. First fixture: Friday, 11.12am, Pitch 1 – South Africa v Japan
Charlotte Caslick (Australia, Women’s World Series)
Five tries in the series opener last weekend took her career tally into triple figures. First fixture: Friday, 9.22am, Pitch 1 – Australia v Spain
Carlin Isles (United States, Men’s World Series)
Arguably the fastest player ever in sevens, Isles scored three tries in the opening leg of the series. First Fixture: Friday, 10.28am, Pitch 1 – United States v Canada
Jaz Joyce (Great Britain, Women’s World Series)
First toured Dubai while a fresher at university back in 2014, the pocket rocket is now one of the stars of the series. First fixture: Friday, 9am, Pitch 2 – Great Britain v France
Mike Phillips (HGB Legends, International Vets)
The former British & Irish Lions scrum-half – and ex-Jebel Ali Dragons coach – will be turning out for a Welsh charity side. First fixture: Thursday, 10.20am, Pitch 6 – HGB Legends v Nomads Wanderers
Ben Gollings (100 World Legends, International Vets)
Years since he finished on the World Series, but he remains its leading point scorer by more than 600. First fixture: Thursday, 10am, Pitch 2 – 100 World Legends v Richmond Swansea Heavies
Pio Tuwai (LAR Speranza 22, International Invitational)
One of the all-time great entertainers will be turning out alongside Fiji sevens royalty. First fixture: Thursday, 2.20pm, Pitch 4 – LAR Speranza 22 v Monaco Impis
Oscar Kolinisau (LAR Speranza 22, International Invitational)
A World Rugby hall-of-famer and the captain of the Fiji side who won Olympic gold in Rio in 2016. First fixture: Thursday, 2.20pm, Pitch 4 – LAR Speranza 22 v Monaco Impis
James McCarthy (Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Gulf Men’s League)
Played two World Series tournaments for Wales, and is now living in the UAE capital. First fixture: Thursday, 6.40pm, Pitch 3 – Abu Dhabi Harlequins v Abu Dhabi Saracens
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PRO BASH
Thursday’s fixtures
6pm: Hyderabad Nawabs v Pakhtoon Warriors
10pm: Lahore Sikandars v Pakhtoon Blasters
Teams
Chennai Knights, Lahore Sikandars, Pakhtoon Blasters, Abu Dhabi Stars, Abu Dhabi Dragons, Pakhtoon Warriors and Hyderabad Nawabs.
Squad rules
All teams consist of 15-player squads that include those contracted in the diamond (3), platinum (2) and gold (2) categories, plus eight free to sign team members.
Tournament rules
The matches are of 25 over-a-side with an 8-over power play in which only two fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle. Teams play in a single round robin league followed by the semi-finals and final. The league toppers will feature in the semi-final eliminator.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Saudi Cup race day
Schedule in UAE time
5pm: Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors Cup (Turf), 5.35pm: 1351 Cup (T), 6.10pm: Longines Turf Handicap (T), 6.45pm: Obaiya Arabian Classic for Purebred Arabians (Dirt), 7.30pm: Jockey Club Handicap (D), 8.10pm: Samba Saudi Derby (D), 8.50pm: Saudia Sprint (D), 9.40pm: Saudi Cup (D)
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THE CLOWN OF GAZA
Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah
Starring: Alaa Meqdad
Rating: 4/5
