World Rugby has outlined a new framework for the future of the Sevens World Series, which will see both Men’s and Women’s series limited to twelve teams and Grand Finales in both for the Top eight, and equal fees being paid to both.
Potential relegation for the teams finishing between ninth and 12th will also be on the cards with an opportunity for teams from the Challenger Series to step up.
The remodelled Sevens World Series will include seven festival-style events, in seven iconic global destinations, across seven months, and is set to kick off in December 2023.
In a move designed to attract a younger, more diverse and global fanbase while generating greater revenues to reinvest in players and teams, the transformed Series hosting model will see World Rugby Events Co assume greater responsibility for the delivery of the events, working in partnership with host organisations.
In some ways, it is copying the success of F1 in terms of consistency of delivery as well as unique identities for the individual host cities.
The tournaments will run from December to June, cutting across the Six Nations Series for both the Men’s and of more relevance, the Women’s games.
All seven rounds will feature combined men’s and women’s events, ensuring that women players have equal opportunities to showcase their talents on the biggest stages around the world.
An annual ‘Grand Finale’ event will take place in the seventh round, which will see the top eight ranked teams after six rounds compete to be crowned Series champions, while the teams ranked ninth to 12th will join the top four ranked teams from the Challenger Series in a high stakes relegation play-off competition which will see four teams secure their places in the next edition of the Series.
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.
Men’s and women’s teams will also receive equal participation fees, with a 70 per cent uplift in World Rugby’s investment in participation fees in the new model.
The new Series follows a widespread and comprehensive consultation process, involving representatives from participating teams, existing tournament hosts, player welfare representatives and fans.
Discussions are ongoing with potential host destinations, following unprecedented hosting interest. 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.
“The reimagined Sevens World Series will be a game-changer for the global growth of the game,” said World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin.
“Research insights have demonstrated that sevens play a vital role in reaching and engaging new rugby fans, particularly in emerging rugby nations and with younger audiences. World Rugby is fully committed to the sustainable growth, innovation and success of rugby sevens as a highly impactful and successful Olympic sport with a bright future.”
