The Dean

Back on topic.......... well done to Bincat for a very good post, especially about the Sevens. That event may have lost some of the intimacy of the old Exiles 'ground' (you couldn't call it a stadium), but the rugby is now world-class - when I first went (2002), Sevens was like house matches at school (quite good fun, a few bits of good play here and there, but basically meaningless).

Now - with all the major nations maintaining full-time professional squads, and fitness levels having risen astronomically, you can genuinely claim that you like going for the rugby itself, not just the 'atmosphere', booze, etc. (As an official I suppose I might be biased, but I don't need to sell you the event as it sells out anyway).

The secondary tournaments - as Northern Lad showed us - are also of a high standard, and I can vouch for the fact that it is by far the favourite tournament (of the whole IRB series) of the players themselves.

And let us not forget the women's IRB tournament (which will be on Thur and Fri - men play Fri and Sat) - again, rugby of the highest standards.

[PS - kick-up-arse for the promoters and advertisers who have been saying the Sevens are on 29 & 30 Nov - the women play on 28 & 29 - very poor advert]

jam25mack

Really, are you sure? I haven't pre bought a ticket for the 7's in about 4 years. Generally you turn up at the gate, get a free one from HSBC, get one at the ticket office or buy one off a tout if there is a queue. In fact the last few time I got one of a tout we haggled and paid less than face value.

The Dean

I work at the event on behalf of the IRB - trust me, I know the ticket situation. If there are any available 'on the day' it is because a block was ordered by one of the hospitality firms and they have returned some.

Millhouse

Ah, the 7s... where no one watches the Rugby and is only interesting in getting pissed for free and touching up a pissed bird (or watching them fight).

scrubbedexpat141

Let me know when you get there, I'll buy you a beer.

Meow

HSBC have a number of them available for their premier account holders. If you turn up early you can get one for free, as well as some hospitality benefits and a meet and greet of some sort.

The Dean

You obviously haven't been for a very long time.......... the accuracy of that description died out in about 2007........ the rugby is now superb, with the players much fitter and faster than in the full XVs version, even at full international level.

Millhouse

I went in 2010. I didn't say the rugby wasn't good. I said nobody was watching it.

commander

Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.

Real sport, real athletes.

shiva

Whilst i do admire your dedication and loyalty to your own particular sport and its self evident strenuous demands.

I cant help feel that you have become somewhat of an annoying **** with the constant disdain for any other sports.

commander

I did not comment about any other sport?

Anyway, whatever you think. You actually don't know me or anything about the wide array of sports I take part in.

Now plod along

NorthernLad

Shit for spectators though.

Millhouse

This wide array of sports... Running, Swimming and Cycling?

commander

I'll give you that, the finish line and the swim exit are okay though

NorthernLad

Which one of them has the Heineken tent?