WAM Dubai, At a ceremony to be held in Dubai today under her patronage, HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Husain, wife of Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, will crown the world champions of the first ever Women’s Rugby World Cup Sevens.

History was made on Thursday thanks to the inaugural Women’s Rugby World Cup Sevens, which runs alongside the men’s tournament from 5th to 7th March at The Sevens venue.

A total of 24 men’s and 16 women’s squads compete for the ultimate prize in Dubai, having emerged from the numerous qualifying battles, involving 87 men’s and 83 women’s teams around the globe over the past year culminating in the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009.

The Women’s championship kicked into action at the Sevens venue Thursday morning with Australia taking on China in the opening match. The Australian women won the match 50-12, while The Netherlands defeated France 17-14 in the following match.

The action will continue until tomorrow, 7th March, when the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals will be contested.