@dubai7s and Big crowds flock to watch the legends roll back the years

There was no doubting the most eagerly anticipated match of the opening morning of this year’s Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens: the clash of the Titans in the Invitation Tournament, as 14 legends of rugby met in the International Veterans section.

The appearance of names such as Stephen Larkham (Australia), Colin Jarvis (Wales) and Carlos Spencer (New Zealand) representing J9 Legends, against England 2003 World Cup winner Jason Robinson, and former rugby league stars including Martin Offiah, Dennis Betts and Andy Farrell proved a huge attraction.

The J9 Foundation was set up by former South Africa captain Joost van der Westhuizen after he was diagnosed two years ago with motor neurone diseason, and the legends who are now representing his charity are doing so to help raise awareness of the illness, and raise funds to help fight it.

Joining Jack is a team made up of ex Wigan rugby league players to raise funds to research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy, an incurable illness from which Jack Johnson, the five-year-old son of their former teammate, Andy, was diagnosed with two years ago.

With a collection of international caps not far short of a thousand, it was not surprising the standard was high, and the match was played in a fast paced, competitive spirit, with the respect between the two teams very evident from the off.

And it was Joining Jack who came out on top – pipping their J9 rivals 14-7, with Robinson rolling back the years to score a superb try that proved the difference between the two teams.

“It’s great to be back in Dubai at the Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens,” he said. “Obviously the main focus will be on the World Series events, and rightly so. But it’s great for us former players to be involved, meet up with old mates and play competitive rugby in a good spirit, and for such good causes.”