Fiji have last night confirmed that they will be competing in the Dubai Rugby 7's despite their union saying they are probably going to have to skip several tournaments this year due to financial constraints.

The South Pacific islanders, who dominated the world 7's scene in the late 1990's, have fallen by the wayside in recent years and finished a disappointing fourth in the IRB series last season.

But Dubai represents a happy hunting ground for Fiji who return to the Middle East from December 5-7 after deciding to skip the tournament in 2001 due to political tensions. They won the Emirates International Trophy in 1997 and 1999.

Despite winning in Argentina last season, Fiji only reached one other final - losing to England in Hong Kong - but they proved at the Commonwealth Games when they won the silver medal that a full strength Fiji side is a match for anyone.

Now, with 7's legend Senivalati Laulau recently appointed as the team's coach, there's a renewed enthusiasm emerging from the tiny republic.

"The Fiji Rugby Union sees this moment as a fresh start when Fiji casts off the old care-free attitude and adopts a serious, professional and scientific approach to maximizing the potential we have in Fiji," said Union chief Pio Bosco Tikoisuva.

The union has also hired former national captain and army fitness expert Alifereti Dere to ensure that the team travelling to Dubai will be in peak condition.

Tickets for the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby 7's - which is widely recognised as the region's biggest sporting and social spectacle - are now on sale at MMI outlets, the Dubai Exiles Ground, Long's and Boston. The Visa ticket hotline is 800-4311 (UAE only). They are also available through the official web site at www.dubairugby7s.com.