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DUBAI, UAE, November 8, 2011 – The last time the Australian women’s team left Dubai, it was with a World Cup in their luggage. That’s after defeating New Zealand in the thrilling final of the Rugby World Cup Sevens in 2009.

The Australian side will be back next month in search of more silverware, as they compete in the first ever IRB-sanctioned women’s tournament at the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens.

Part of the Australian squad will be a woman whose name is not at all unfamiliar in international rugby circles – Kristy Giteau, whose younger brother Matt will be one of the star speakers at this week’s Emirates Airline Rugby Long Lunch, having represented the Wallabies in 92 Tests and two Rugby World Cups.

“It was inevitable that I would play some form of contact sport with three brothers who grew up playing Rugby League and Union,” said Giteau, whose father Ron also represented Australia, in Rugby League.

“Watching my siblings play at club, state, national and international level inspired me to give rugby a go. I am an opportunist, so I got into Sevens as a result of trying to fill my off-season from 15s, while sneaking some fitness and fun into my weekends,” added the primary school teacher who works as Regional Coordinator of a community sports programme.

Giteau was not yet part of the Australian squad in 2009 but is relishing the prospect of returning to the site of her teammates’ success.

“I have watched the game several times and returning to the country where the girls took out the World Cup is something really special and I know there is a buzz in the team being able to see and play at the same venue where it all took place,” she said.

“We are obviously going there this year with a number of girls that were able to experience that success and I think that is really special to the whole squad, knowing that we will have that experience and success within our team going into this tournament.”

The Australian women’s team will certainly be among the favourites for the inaugural IRB Women’s Sevens Challenge Cup, which will be contested by eight international teams. They have been grouped together with Canada, Spain and Brazil in Pool A, while USA, England, South Africa and China are in Pool B.

“With the right attitude and mental approach, Australia can win this tournament again. It will prove that we are a dominant force in Rugby Sevens - that we do a have a winning formula,” said Rebecca Tavo – one of Giteau’s teammates who was part of the Rugby World Cup Sevens-winning squad in 2009.

“By the time the Olympics come around, we will be an experienced, strong and consistent force. We have to have that winning attitude every time we take the field and accept no less than winning,” added Tavo, who when not on the rugby field, works as a train driver in the mines in Western Australia.

Another of the newer members of the squad, Sharni Williams, added: “I have watched the World Cup Sevens games over and over. The team was amazing – they set the standard and we are definitely going to have to shine as we have high expectations from everyone. I haven’t been to Dubai yet but to arrive as Australia is going to be amazing due to us being champions.”

Tickets to see the Australians, and all the other teams in action at the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens are available online at www.dubairugby7s.com and at selected Costa and MMI outlets, Virgin Megastores, selected Eppco stations, dnata, Emirates headquarters and at 7he Sevens stadium.

A free bus service will be available to transport fans from the stadium back to several convenient locations across Dubai including: Dubai Media City, Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City (family drop-off points), Barasti, Chi @ The Lodge, Irish Village and Nezesaussi (Old Town).

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