World Rugby announces major changes to Sevens Series, cuts number of teams and events in revamp
- Number of men’s sides will be cut from 16 to 12 and the number of tournaments drop from 10 to seven
- Changes are to come into effect in December next year, as governing body looks to embrace ‘sportainment’ approach
Rugby bosses have announced several major changes to the makeup of the Sevens World Series, with a reduction in teams and tournaments, the most eye-catching of those.
According to a statement released by World Rugby on Wednesday, the number of men’s teams will be cut to 12 from 16, while the new calendar, which comes into effect in December next year, includes only seven stops, down from the 10 this season.
Designed to bring the sport into alignment with the Olympics, officials said the series would “fully embrace gender parity” with 12 women’s teams competing over the same seven tournaments as the men.
Future of the Hong Kong Sevens: a three-day ‘sportainment’ festival
The changes could have a dramatic impact on Hong Kong both on and off the field, with the chances of securing a spot among the top teams drastically reduced.
From next season, the top four sides on the Challenger Series, which Hong Kong have qualified for after winning the Asia Rugby Sevens Series, face a relegation play-off with those ranked ninth to 12th at the end of the regular season.
The four unsuccessful teams will go into regional competitions to qualify for the next Challenger Series, which comprises of 12 men’s and 12 women’s teams competing in the second level of international rugby sevens.
“The new series follows a widespread and comprehensive consultation process, involving representatives from participating teams, existing tournament hosts, player welfare representatives and fans,” the World Rugby statement said.
In a move “designed to attract a younger, more diverse and global fanbase” the governing body said its event arm would assume “greater responsibility” for putting on tournaments.
“Discussions are ongoing with potential host destinations, following unprecedented hosting interest,” it added. “Confirmed hosts, competition dates and a new brand identity will be announced in the coming months, with the first edition of the remodelled Series to run from December 2023 through June 2024.”
Alan Gilpin, the World Rugby CEO, said the move would be a “game-change for the global growth of the game”.
Pointing to research that showed the sport played a vital role in attracting new fans, he added that his organisation was “fully committed to the sustainable growth, innovation and success of rugby sevens as a highly impactful and successful Olympic sport with a bright future”.
“Moving to full gender parity between the men’s and women’s series reflects not just our commitment to accelerating the women’s game, but also recognition of the powerful personalities who are inspiring a new generation of fans across the globe,” he added.
“The increased promotion pathway opportunity for Challenger Series teams to reach the pinnacle Sevens World Series is also an important development, giving more teams the chance to attain a place at the top table of rugby sevens on an annual basis.”
