Michael Johnson To Appear At Hsbc Sevens

Rugby sevens returns to the sporting calendar next week with the start of the 2015/16 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, which will also feature an appearance from Olympic legend Michael Johnson.

The four time gold medallist will star as a special guest of HSBC at the opening tournament in Dubai, to celebrate the start of a series that will culminate in rugby sevens being played at the Olympics for the first time at Rio 2016.

During his Dubai visit Johnson will meet with both men’s and women’s teams, including the USA, to pass on his experience and advice ahead of the landmark season.

Ahead of the trip, Johnson said: “I’m looking forward to heading to Dubai, meeting the sport’s fans and, of course, the players. From all my years in athletics, I know just what it means to compete for your country at the highest level, particularly in an Olympic Games. The start of this season is a huge moment for them and it’s a huge moment for the sport.

“Dubai, as the starting block for the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, is sure to be a supercharged tournament that will set the tone for ten ground breaking months of rugby, so I can’t wait to get involved.”

The series will arrive at ten locations worldwide this season; with new host cities of Cape Town, Sydney, Vancouver, Singapore and Paris joining returning events in Hong Kong and Dubai and well-established venues in London, Wellington and Las Vegas.

HSBC is also the first-ever title sponsor of the Women’s World Series, taking place in conjunction with the men’s series.

Giles Morgan, head of sponsorship and events at HSBC, said: “HSBC has been a committed supporter of rugby around the world, but this feels like a pivotal moment for the game. The opportunity over the next 10 months is huge. World Rugby, unions and sponsors are committed to converting the opportunity. The gold medal for rugby will be to use Rio 2016 as a catalyst to drive even greater growth, participation and engagement in the game.”‎