Emirates Airline, having sponsored the IRB Emirates Airline London Sevens at Twickenham for the past three years, has now become the official sponsor of the England sevens team.

The three year agreement takes effect immediately and runs until June 30th, 2006.  Providing a six figure sum annually for the squad’s training and competition, the sponsorship will see the England sevens squad, which won the Twickenham title for the first time last season,  the Hong Kong title for the second successive year and claim victory in Brisbane, playing in “Fly Emirates” branded shirts. The England sevens team is seeded no. 1 for the Dubai and George legs of 2003/04 IRB World Series

Said England Sevens coach, Joe Lydon" One of the major goals for the England Sevens squad has been to reach the number one seeding within the IRB World Sevens Series rankings. Getting there is one thing, staying there is another but with the hard work and quality support of so many, which I am delighted to say now includes Emirates, we are confident that with the support of the best we can compete with the best."

Paul Vaughan, RFU Commercial Director added, “Emirates Airline has been a very good partner of the Rugby Football Union over the past three years through their sponsorship of the IRB Emirates Airline London Sevens at Twickenham. They had the confidence in a fledgling tournament which has gone from strength to strength. The England 7s team has gone on to be rated No.1 in the world and I am delighted that Emirates have extended their involvement by sponsoring the team as well”

Gary Chapman, President Associated Companies, Emirates Group said, “Emirates have long been staunch supporters of rugby sevens globally and we are delighted to extend, still further our involvement with the RFU and the England 7s team with this new sponsorship agreement.  England were strong performers in last year’s IRB Sevens Series and thoroughly deserve their number one ranking as this year’s series kicks off in Dubai.

“Emirates have been most impressed with the commitment and focus of the RFU and the England Sevens team to continued success and we could not be more pleased to see our name on the team’s shirt