Rugby mad Keerthi Basnayake is a Dubai Sevens super fan. So much so, that he has attended every Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens event since it first hosted a round of the IRB World Series tournament back in 1999.
Indeed, a souvenir rugby shirt he bought during his first visit to the Sevens in Dubai remains one of his prized possessions. And once again Keerthi will be visiting on all three days of this year’s event, on November 28, 29 and 30.
“I love the Sevens in Dubai, and it is one of the first things I put in my diary at the start of every year,” said Keerthi, 39, who works in the travel and hospitality industry. “From the world class action of the World Series to the fantastic Invitation Tournament – it really is three great days.
“I love the Sevens in Dubai, and it is one of the first things I put in my diary at the start of every year,” said Keerthi, 39, who works in the travel and hospitality industry. “From the world class action of the World Series to the fantastic Invitation Tournament – it really is three great days.
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“It was in 1999 that I moved to Dubai, and as a keen rugby fan and player, making a date with the Sevens here was among my priorities. I loved it, and every year it has just got bigger and better.
“It has something for everyone, and it’s a fantastic event for families now. 7he Sevens stadium is a wonderful facility and venue and has made a big difference, and it is always very well organized. Dubai is rightly proud of it.”
Keerthi – who was once good enough as a player to be a member of the Sri Lankan national squad for two years in the 1990s – puts meeting New Zealand All Blacks legend Sean Fitzpatrick as his fondest memory of 14 years. And he singles out Brian Habana, of South Africa, and England’s Simon Amor as the two players who have made an impact with him.
“Habana was a fantastic player, and it was a pleasure to see him when he took part in Dubai,” said Keerthi. “Amor was not only an outstanding player, he was – is – a great role model, and always has time for people. I’m sure he’ll do a great job as England coach.”
England are the team that Keerthi follows during the Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens. But for this year’s HSBC Sevens World Series tournament in Dubai he has a hunch about Fiji as potential champions.
“I’m sure Ben Ryan will have them fired up, and of course he has experience of winning in Dubai as England’s coach in 2010 and 11,” said Keerthi. “Fiji are a strong team, they’ll be charged up, are playing well. They deserve to win in Dubai.
“I’m delighted the IRB Women’s Sevens World Series is a part of Dubai, and the standard is outstanding – New Zealand looked very strong last year, but I think Australia could be the ones to watch this time: they seem to be in good shape, and have some very good sprinters in the team, so watch out for them.
“Sevens is a great sport – it’s very exciting, very fast and I think it’s terrific that teams like Kenya can come through and emerge as a World Class team.”
The Dubai Rugby Sevens takes place between November 28 and 30 at 7he Sevens Stadium. This year a record 213 teams, with over 3,000 players, will be taking part in the invitation Tournament.
The IRB Women’s Sevens World Series round one tournament begins on Thursday, November 28, and reaches its conclusion the following day. The second round of the men’s HSBC Sevens World Series will be held throughout Friday, November 29, and Saturday, November 30.
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