Over 100,000 fans from all over the world enjoyed the long weekend at the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens.

– O’DRISCOLL: Ireland legend thrilled by Dubai Sevens
– IRELAND: Insight from Irish camp at Dubai Sevens
– INTERVIEW: New Zealand legend Sonny Bill Williams
– SEVENS: Bolger’s hat-trick helps Quins retain Gulf Men’s crown

The successful rugby extravaganza event saw 28 international teams compete in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and the Women’s Sevens Series, 245 invitation teams in the Invitation Tournament and 24 netball teams in the new Netball competition – record breaking numbers for the 46th edition of the tournament.

The overall winner of the opening round of the series was Fiji, beating England 28-17 in the Cup final.

Meanwhile, Australia claimed the Women’s Sevens Series title, beating Russia comfortably on a score line of 33-12.

Despite losing their inspirational captain Sharni Williams to injury on day two, the girls in gold remained unbeaten throughout the tournament.

Key highlights of the weekend included guest appearances from All Blacks star Sonny Bill Williams and the largest Invitation tournament to date.

Organisers are already looking ahead to next year with plans to expand even further in order to keep attracting the crowds to the largest sporting event of the year.