Nations Scramble To Win 2009 Rwc Sevens

The IRB has received a record number of expressions of interest from
countries looking to host the Rugby World Cup Sevens tournament in 2009,
highlighting the growing popularity of the format.

IRB member unions Arabian Gulf, Australia, Netherlands, Russia and USA all
submitted detailed tender documents by last week’s deadline outlining their bid
to host the tournament.

‘The IRB is delighted that five Unions have tendered for Rugby World Cup
Sevens 2009. This strong response is significant as it represents an
unprecedented level of tender submissions for a Rugby World Cup event and
clearly reflects the importance of the tournament on the world sporting calendar
while further emphasising Rugby Sevens growing global appeal,’ said IRB
chairman, Dr Syd Millar.

He continued: ‘Rugby World Cup Sevens 2005, held in Hong Kong, was a massive
success. The Tournament smashed all previous broadcast and attendance records,
attracting a capacity 120,000 attendance for three highly entertaining
competition days, while television coverage of the event reached over 450
million homes. We anticipate Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 will be even more
successful.’

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 will be the first to include a women’s tournament
that will run alongside the men’s competition and will consist of 24 men’s and
19 women’s teams.