While preparation for the Dubai Rugby Sevens for most of us centered around getting the best and most original fancy dress we could find, those actually taking part were putting themselves through something much more rigorous.

None more so than the team from the United States of America, who took time out from their proper training to take on a monstrous challenge; a game of tug of war with a passenger jet!

The stunt at Dubai International Airport saw seven of the 12-man squad take to the runway and attempt to shift one of Emirates’ new Boeing 777-330ERs which comes in at a staggering 170 tonnes.

So, how did they do? Check the video below to find out…

Unfortunately for the ‘Eagles’, their performance in the Sevens itself wasn’t much better, as they were sent packing with a single win to their name.

They were given a torrid time in Pool C. It began with a 36-5 defeat to Fiji, before England romped to 28 points for the concession of just five. The worst was yet to come, though, as rivals Canada smashed their neighbors aside 41-7. It was the third-highest score of the day. On Friday, however, Australia topped that with 47 points.

The United States were finally put out of their misery by France, but not before a rare period of dominance which saw them lead 14-0 at halftime. That, though, was short lived as the French hit back in some style after the break, scoring 19 points without reply.

Bruised, battered and defeated, they must pick themselves up in time for the resumption of the tournament at Nelson Mandela Bay in South Africa, which takes place next weekend, December 7 and 8.