Eight In Frame For 2013 Sevens Wc
The International Rugby Board has confirmed that eight countries have expressed a formal interest to host Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013.
Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Germany, Hong Kong, Russia, Scotland and USA all submitted their interest to tender for the global showcase tournament by the deadline on 30th October.
The strong level of tender interest is another significant boost for Rugby Sevens at a time when the sport is enjoying its highest ever profile following the International Olympic Committee’s decision to include the sport in the Olympic Games, starting from 2016 in Rio de Janeiro.
The eventual host of the 2013 tournament will look to emulate this year’s ground breaking event held in Dubai.
The first to feature a women’s competition, Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 pushed the boundary for Rugby Sevens once more, shattering all previous broadcast records with the action reaching 141 countries through 29 international broadcasters in 19 languages.
Tendering Unions for Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013 have been asked to follow the same format as the 2009 tournament with 24 men’s and 16 women’s teams competing over two or three days.
RWCL has also recommended that tenders maintain the blend of two pitches within one city, ideally co-located. This will maximise the festival feel across the two competition pitches and the integration between the men’s and women’s tournaments.
Unions have until 1700 GMT on 15th December, 2009 to formally confirm that they will tender for the tournament. The Host Union for Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013 will be selected by the IRB Council at its May 2010 meeting.
