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 DUBAI, UAE, November 6, 2011 – It’s been three years since the South African Sevens side took top honours in Dubai and, having produced a storming finish to the Series last season, coach Paul Treu is hoping things will turn around for his team at this year’s Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens.

“We won the Dubai tournament in 2003, 2006 and again in 2008 so there is no reason why we shouldn’t be a main contender once again. We have the support in Dubai and when we play to our potential, anything is possible,” said the coach whose side finished second overall in the HSBC Sevens World Series last season.

“We started training in September with most of our core players. I don’t think there will be too many new faces in Dubai next month. We started with six new players there last year and our inexperience cost us big time in the quarter-final against Fiji. But hopefully our young players have grown since then,” said Treu.

While the final squad for the December 1st – 3rd tournament is yet to be announced, the South African side is likely to include the IRB Sevens Player of the Year, Cecil Afrika (who will be returning after a period out of action with a broken cheekbone) and star of the side in South Africa’s 2008 victory in Dubai, Robert Ebersohn.

Speaking about Afrika’s accolade, Treu explained: Cecil set the standard last season and fully deserved the award. It couldn’t have happened to a more humble player and I am sure he is also mature enough to realise that you are only as good as your last minute on the pitch.”

With the Dubai tournament second up in the series this year, Treu is looking forward to the tough task of competing on three consecutive weekends – first in Australia, then at the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens and then in South Africa.

“All the teams will be in the same boat and it will be a massive challenge to keep the guys at their peak for three tournaments in a row,” he said.

“Starting in Brisbane provides us with another opportunity to test ourselves in a new environment and we look forward to the challenge.”

Tickets to catch all the action at the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens are on sale at www.dubairugby7s.com and at selected Costa and MMI outlets, Virgin Megastores, dnata, Emirates headquarters and at 7he Sevens stadium.

For more information on the tournament, log on to www.dubairugby7s.com