Women’s event to kick off extravaganza

The 12-team women’s tournament will be played on December 3 and 4 and the 16-team men’s event on December 4 and 5.

In the men’s competition Fiji head pool A and kick off proceedings against Canada with further ties against Japan and Argentina, while Dubai’s defending champions South Africa, start in pool B against Scotland, Samoa and Russia.

New Zealand face matches against the USA, as well as France and Portugal in pool C, while in pool D England line up against Australia, Wales and Kenya.

In the women’s draw, New Zealand will kick off their Dubai title defence against France, Russia and Brazil in pool A.

Rivals Canada and USA meet in pool B alongside Fiji and Ireland, while Australia are the top seed in pool C and face England, Spain and series newcomers Japan.