Sevens’ financial future at stake, changes necessary for Olympics – World Rugby
The sport’s governing body will decrease the number of teams in the World Series from 12 to eight
World Rugby has said the changes to its sevens competition were designed to secure the sport’s financial future and grow its global reach ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Confirming it was slashing the number of teams in the World Series from 12 to eight, and installing a six-team second division, the sport’s governing body also said regular tournaments would be cut from three days to just two.
There was no word, however, on the format for the new World Championship Series, which will be played over three events and include the 12 best men’s and women’s teams.
In a statement, rugby bosses said they would launch a “global host tender process” this month.
“The Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens is a globally renowned, iconic event for rugby sevens fans and we are committed to supporting World Rugby in delivering a sustainable and exciting new model of SVNS,” Hong Kong China Rugby said in a statement. “Further details and event dates will be announced in due course.”
A stand-alone Challenger event, which the new structure suggests will take place before the start of the second-tier competition, would continue to provide a pathway for lesser sides to progress, World Rugby said.