The schedule for the 2016 Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens was revealed on Thursday, with reigning champions Fiji set to open their title defence against Canada.

Fiji, the Olympic and 2015/16 World Series champions, are under a new coaching set-up but will start the tournament as favourites. They also face Wales and Argentina on the first day, Friday December 2.

Last season’s series runners-up South Africa begin their Dubai campaign against African qualifiers Uganda before taking on London Sevens champions Scotland and the USA.

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Meanwhile, New Zealand, who claimed third-place in the 2015/16 series, will start the new season without long-time coach Gordon Tietjens for the first time following his retirement after the Olympic Games.

After a disappointing Olympics, the All Blacks will want to bounce back in the World Series and start their Dubai tournament against Russia, followed by matches against Samoa and England.

Australia’s men head the fourth of the pools and start their season against newly-promoted Japan, who finished an impressive fourth in Rio following a famous pool victory over New Zealand. Singapore champions Kenya and France also lie in wait.

The World Rugby Sevens Series action begins at 9am on the Friday with France taking on Kenya in Pool D. New Zealand’s clash with England will close the day’s play and is scheduled for 8.37pm.

The full schedule can be found here

* Agencies

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