World Rugby Unveils New Sevens Challenger Series

World Rugby has unveiled the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series, a brand new rugby sevens competition set to be launched in February 2020.

The men’s and women’s series is aimed at developing the sport in new nations, particularly as it continues as an Olympic sport.

The men’s tournament will feature the 13 top ranked nations that do not currently compete on the HSBC World Rugby Seven Series, as well as three invitational teams.

Ultimately, this means that Brazil, Chile, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Papua New Guinea, Portugal, Tonga, Uganda, Uruguay and Zimbabwe will compete in the inaugural competition.

The first edition will take place in Vina del Mar in Chile and Montevideo in Uruguay, with Colombia, Mexico and Paraguay welcomed as the invitational teams.  

The top eight teams will compete in a playoff tournament held alongside the HSBC Hong Kong Sevens in April, with a winner being granted entry to the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series the following year.

A separate plan for the women’s tournament is to follow.

“We are thrilled to launch the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series in a pivotal year for rugby sevens,” said Sir Bill Beaumont, World Rugby Chairman.

“Rugby sevens continues to attract new fans around the globe with its fast-paced, athletic and highly skilled format. The new Sevens Challenger Series will help to develop the next generation of players and bring international sevens events to new nations, further growing the popularity of our Olympic sport around the world.”