RWC 7s 2009 Set To Be Biggest Ever

Rugby World Cup 7's 2009 is set to be the biggest ever celebration of international rugby, bringing together 24 men's and 16 women's team across three days of enthralling action at Dubai's brand new stadium " The Sevens", from the 5-7 March.

Since Andrew Harriman inspired England to victory at the inaugural rugby world Cup 7s in 1993, three further tournaments have taken place, but the 2009 event is the first to feature a women's competition alongside the men's.

Since England's crowning glory in 1993, the Melrose Cup has remained in Oceania, in both 1997 and 2005 the great Waisale Serevi inspired Fiji to success in Hong Kong, while New Zealand recorded its sole success in Mar del Plata in 2001.

Eight years on and few would bet against New Zealand triumphing again in what will be the fifth Rugby World Cup 7s for men.

Quite a pedigree and recent history is also on New Zealand side, who were awesome during the 2007/08 season, winning six of the eight tournaments with a 35-match unbeaten run along the way.

Tietjens can also call upon one player from each of the New Zealand Super 14 franchises, should he wish to do so and bearing in mind South Africa's start to the season he may just be tempted.