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HSBC World Sevens Series (World Rugby)

 
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Aussie Sevens fall at final hurdle to Fiji in Vegas

07/03/2016, International, Rugby, World Rugby, Article # 16856885

Monday 7 March, 2016

Aussie Sevens fall at final hurdle to Fiji in Vegas

The Qantas Australian Men's Sevens team has fallen agonisingly short of winning the Las Vegas Sevens after losing to world series leaders Fiji.

Australia saw off South Africa (14-12) in a bruising Cup Semi-Final before Fiji staged a second-half fightback to take all 22 Sevens World Series points on offer (21-15) in another memorable Final.

After finishing runners-up in Sydney last month, Australia's Cup Final appearance in the USA was the first back-to-back tournament deciders it has reached since May 2010.

Qantas Australian Men's Sevens Head Coach Andy Friend said: "We'll take a lot out of this tournament and it's up to us to carry this momentum that we first gained in Sydney, and now Las Vegas, through to Canada and the rest of the series.

"Today's games were two physical encounters. In my opinion, in the Semi-Final, I didn't think we played our best football but we hung in there and managed to get the result. In the Cup Final, we wanted to move Fiji around a bit and managed to do that at various stages. However, credit to Fiji who took their chances in the second half."

Assessing the Australian Men's Sevens program, Friend added: "We're building depth in the squad and building a depth as well as our own game style. We know we have a lot of work to do though everything is headed in the right direction.

"Losing two Cup Finals in a row is disappointing but we are learning with every single game and must continue the hard work."

At a blustery Sam Boyd Stadium, Australia raced into a 15-point lead in the Cup Final against Fiji. Tries from Sam Myers, a long-range effort from Ed Jenkins and Cameron Clark had the Fijians on the back foot throughout a near-perfect first half from the Australians.

However, with the wind now wreaking havoc, Fiji hit back with 21 unanswered points of their own. Kitione Taliga (2) brought the islanders within touching distance of the Australians on the scoreboard before Quade Cooper was incredibly denied when looking set to score. From the ensuing knock-on, the ball found its way to Savenaca Rawaca who sprinted the length of the field to give Fiji the Cup.

Australia booked its spot in the tournament decider after a thrilling, last-gasp win over South Africa. Boasting Springbok legend Bryan Habana in its ranks, no quarter was given in a brutal first period.

Lightning South African winger Seabalo Senatla opened the scoring midway through the first half after a quick-tap penalty caught the Aussie defense off guard. The second stanza continued in much the same vein but this time Australia's spell of possession resulted in a penalty try being awarded after Quade Cooper was illegally denied the opportunity to dot down in the right corner.

With the try converted, Australia were leading but four consecutive penalties for the South Africans piggy-backed them up the field and Blitzboks skipper Kyle Brown scrambled over under the posts to hand the lead back to the Cape Town winners.

However, with the last play of an enthralling game, Allan Fa'alava'au danced through the opposition defense and offloaded to skipper Ed Jenkins. With the try-line gaping, Jenkins was taken out illegally with a head high shot by Rosko Specman and the match official had no option but to award a penalty try. Quade Cooper slotted the conversion from under the posts to hand the Australians an astonishing win.

Elsewhere in Las Vegas, South Africa claimed third sport by beating hosts USA (21-10) with New Zealand finishing fifth after a win over surprise packet Japan (27-7) to take the Plate Final.

The 2015-16 HSBC Sevens World Series heads north to a sold-out Vancouver for the inaugural Canada Sevens next weekend. Coach Andy Friend is expected to make several changes to the 12-man squad he will take to Canada.

Qantas Australian Men's Sevens results in Las Vegas, USA, 5-7 March
Australia 26-0 Scotland, Pool B
Australia 35-5 Japan, Pool B
Australia 36-7 England, Pool B
Australia 26-12 Argentina, Cup Quarter-Final
Australia 14-12 South Africa, Cup Semi-Final
Australia 15-21 Fiji, Cup Final

Final placings for the HSBC Las Vegas Sevens (Top 6): 1. Fiji (22 World Series points), 2. Australia (19 points), 3. South Africa (17 points), 4. USA (15 points), 5. New Zealand (13 points), 6. Japan (12 points)

Current 2015-16 HSBC World Series standings (Top 6 - after five rounds): 1. Fiji (91 World Series points), 2. South Africa (86 points), 3. USA (82 points), 4. Australia (73 points), 5. USA (64 points), 5. Argentina (64 points)

 

 
The Australian Sports Commission is proud to support the ARU's National Rugby Sevens program by providing funding and direct athlete support as part of Australia's Winning Edge game plan for moving from world class to world best
All Blacks Sevens team for USA Sevens

All Blacks Sevens team for USA Sevens

04/03/2016, International, Rugby, World Rugby, Article # 16811430
 
  All Blacks Sevens Media Release  
    AllBlacks.com | All Blacks Sevens | Small Blacks | Community Rugby | Facebook | Twitter    
         
    All Blacks Sevens team for USA Sevens
Liam Messam returns for first time since 2010		    
     
    The All Blacks Sevens team to play the fifth leg of the 2015/16 HSBC World Series, USA Sevens, (4-6 March) in Las Vegas has been named.

It features the return of Rugby World Cup winning All Blacks loose forward Liam Messam who pulls on the sevens jersey for the first time since helping New Zealand win gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2010.

The team is;

Kurt Baker (Taranaki)
Dylan Collier (Waikato)
Sam Dickson (Canterbury)
DJ Forbes (Counties Manukau) 
Gillies Kaka (Hawke’s Bay)
Josh Van Lieshout* (Counties Manukau)
Liam Messam (Waikato)
Tim Mikkelson (Captain) (Waikato)
Sione Molia* (Counties Manukau)
Lewis Ormond (Taranaki)
Beaudein Waaka (Taranaki)
Regan Ware (Waikato)

*new caps

Counties Manukau team-mates Josh van Lieshout and Sione Molia will make their sevens debuts at the Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas. The two were selected for the squad last month after impressing coach Gordon Tietjens at the Bayleys National Sevens where Counties Manukau won the national title.

Tietjens said he had also chosen to rest Sonny Bill Williams following two pleasing performances at Wellington Sevens and Sydney Sevens. 

New Zealand media note: Gordon Tietjens will be available for media interviews between 4.00pm and 4.30pm today. Please call team manager Ross Everiss on +64 27 448 7013 during that period.

USA Sevens 4-6 March
The All Blacks Sevens have been drawn in Pool A after winning the recent Sydney Sevens and will face Kenya, Portugal and Russia. New Zealand is currently jointly leading the series, tied on 69 points with Fiji and South Africa. 

Match schedule - pool play
(Las Vegas is 21 hours behind NZ time)

Friday 4 March
v Portugal 15.51 (12.51 NZT Saturday 5 March)
v Russia 18.52 (15.52 NZT Saturday 5 March)

Saturday 5 March
v Kenya 11.54 (8.54 NZT Sunday 6 March)

Watch on SKY Sport Pop-up Channel 056
Day 1: Saturday 5 March – 12.40pm-7.00pm 
Day 2: Sunday 6 March – 8.20am-4.00pm 
Day 3: Monday 7 March – 7.20am-1.45pm 
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VODAFONE FIJI 7S EXTENDED SQUAD FOR LAS VEGAS & VANCOUVER 7S

VODAFONE FIJI 7S EXTENDED SQUAD FOR LAS VEGAS & VANCOUVER 7S

15/02/2016, International, Rugby, World Rugby, Article # 16531408

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HSBC partners with World Rugby for record-breaking men’s and women’s sevens properties

HSBC partners with World Rugby for record-breaking men’s and women’s sevens properties

30/06/2015, International, Rugby, World Rugby, Article # 11087060
MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Tuesday 30 June

HSBC partners with World Rugby for record-breaking men’s and women’s sevens properties
 

 

  • New four-year deal with HSBC for flagship men’s and women’s series
  • 10 locations revealed for men’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series schedule 
  • More record attendance, viewing and social figures for sevens

    Rugby sevens is set to reach out and inspire more fans in more nations that ever before with World Rugby announcing details of an exciting new competition and commercial blueprint for its record-breaking flagship properties.

    With rugby sevens achieving year-on year record attendance, viewership and engagement figures, and excitement building ahead of its Olympic Games debut at Rio 2016, World Rugby has announced a four-year extension of its hugely-successful partnership with HSBC and the schedule of the iconic locations that will host rounds of the record-breaking HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series over the same period.

    The record deal sees the banking giant extend its hugely successful naming rights of the World Rugby Sevens Series and acquire naming rights to the Women’s World Rugby Sevens Series. In addition to the two new series title sponsorships, the new agreement will also see HSBC as local title sponsor of the individual rounds.*

    The announcement is a further boost to World Rugby’s mission to grow and inspire new participants and audiences around the globe and also reinforces HSBC’s long-term rugby commitment of investing in the game from community to elite level as the sport continues to experience unprecedented global growth ahead of sevens’ Olympic Games debut at Rio 2016.

    World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “Rugby sevens is going from strength to strength ahead of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and the men’s and women’s series have been at the heart of the global sevens success story with their winning brand of high-octane, competitive and broadcast- friendly action, global locations and festival atmosphere.

    “HSBC has been central to the sevens success story and is totally aligned with our mission to attract and inspire new players and audiences. We are excited about this increased commitment and the certainty it provides over the next four years to grow our sport within existing and emerging rugby markets.

    “We are particularly delighted that our flagship women’s series will be supported by HSBC over the next few years. Women’s rugby is one of the world’s fastest-growing team sports, with more than 1.5 million regularly playing and new participants being welcomed every day. The feats of our best female players on the series have been a source of inspiration to young players and the driving force behind ever-increasing popularity and profile.”

    Giles Morgan, Global Head of Sponsorship and Events, HSBC Holdings said: “HSBC became the first-ever title sponsor of the men’s world series back in 2010, and we are excited to not only be extending this partnership for another four years, but also to become the first-ever title sponsor of the increasingly popular women’s world series. The Olympic decision has served as a tremendous catalyst for the growth of sevens around the world, not just in participation but also through the popularity of the HSBC Sevens World Series in recent years.

    “HSBC is committed to supporting not only the elite end of the sport during this historic period in the game’s growth but will also continue with our long-term, significant investment in helping to grow and develop rugby through our community programmes which have seen more than 200,000 youngsters around the world introduced to the sport. HSBC rugby festivals and coach education programmes, as well as grassroots sponsorships such as the Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens in England, have all helped to inspire even more children to get involved with rugby.

    “We will continue to use the profile and interest in the world series to help engage even more youngsters to the game over the coming years, and are excited by the addition of the women’s series to our portfolio given the interest that women’s rugby is attracting around the world.”

    Since HSBC became title sponsor of the world series in 2009, the series has seen attendance grow to 542,929 with the series proving more competitive than ever. It now amasses 5,884 broadcast hours with a global reach of 400 million households. Fiji claimed the series last season following New Zealand’s dominant run of four successive wins, and USA claimed their inaugural tournament victory in London in May. Starting in December, the new HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series will be expanded to include 10 host cities in a further illustration of the popularity and growth of the game around the world.

    At the announcement in Paris, host city of the 1924 Olympic Games where rugby last featured as an Olympic sport, World Rugby also revealed the full schedule of 10 cities that will host a round of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series for the next four years with new destinations Sydney, Cape Town, Vancouver, Singapore and Paris expanding rugby’s reach around the globe. The 2015-16 series will kick-off after Rugby World Cup 2015 enabling the best 15s players to participate across the entire series ahead of rugby sevens’ Olympic Games debut.

    2015-16 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series schedule

    Round 1: Dubai: 4-5 December
    Round 2: Cape Town: 12-13 December
    Round 3: Wellington: 30-31 January
    Round 4: Sydney: 6-7 February
    Round 5: Las Vegas: 4-6 March
    Round 6: Vancouver: 12-13 March
    Round 7: Hong Kong: 8-10 April
    Round 8: Singapore: 16-17 April
    Round 9: Paris: 14-15 May
    Round 10: London: 21-22 May

    WATCH THE MEN'S SERIES SCHEDULE VIDEO HERE >>

    WATCH THE WOMEN'S SERIES VIDEO HERE >>

    Details of the locations and dates for the 2015-16 HSBC Women’s World Rugby Sevens Series will be announced in due course.

    Commenting on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens World Series schedule, World Rugby Chief Executive Brett Gosper said: “Rugby sevens is experiencing record attendance, broadcast and commercial growth and is rapidly becoming a major driver of revenue for World Rugby to reinvest in the game.

    “This schedule represents an exciting combination for World Rugby and one which we think will enable the sport to reach developing rugby markets, and therefore contribute to the continued growth of the game and its character-building values worldwide. It is great for players, great for fans and great for the ongoing prosperity and development of rugby sevens worldwide.”

    USA player Zack Test, who attended the event in Paris, said: “It is great for the players to know that a strong and committed sponsor is in place for the series. HSBC have been great supporters of rugby for a long time now and they really give a stability and certainty to the tournament.

    “From USA’s point of view, we are in a great place at the moment. We took real confidence from winning the London Sevens this year and it all bodes well for the upcoming series and also the Olympics. A year ago, people were wondering if we would even qualify but now we will be going to Rio looking for medals. Well, we are the defending Olympic champions so we’re going there aiming to win.”

    France women’s sevens captain Fanny Horta said: “This is a great day for women’s rugby and it shows that women’s rugby is developing at a great pace.

    “The standard of play in the series is going up all the time and there are more and more teams that are competitive. For us, winning qualification for the Olympics was huge and we will now build on that success as we get ready for the series.”

    Editors’ notes:

    The series locations were determined after an extensive host selection process and the composition of the schedule has been developed with the core aim of increasing global reach, interest and engagement as rugby sevens looks to maximise the Olympic Games opportunity.

    Another key feature was the pairing of events to maximise player recovery time while other key tender considerations included player welfare and travel blocks, high performance, facilities and city support and overall ability to contribute to the key strategic growth of the series.

    *With the exception of Dubai. In Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific will remain co-title sponsor of the tournament alongside HSBC.
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World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year nominees revealeed

World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year nominees revealeed

18/05/2015, International, Rugby, World Rugby, Article # 10076744

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USA and Fiji celebrate in style at Twickenham

USA and Fiji celebrate in style at Twickenham

18/05/2015, International, Rugby, World Rugby, Article # 10076534
 
MEDIA RELEASE
 
USA and Fiji celebrate in style at Twickenham
 
17 May 2015
 
 
USA beat Australia 45-22 to win first Cup title - Photo: World Rugby/Martin Seras Lima
 
> Download rights-free photos


- USA win first-ever Cup final
- Fiji win series for first time since 2006
- New two day crowd record of 116,219
- News access footage, rights-free photos and audio 

The USA recorded a 45-22 victory over Australia to lift the Marriott London Sevens Cup final, round nine of the HSBC Sevens World Series, in emphatic style. 

Two tries from Danny Barrett and Maka Unufe helped Mike Friday's side to the win at Twickenham, their first in the history of the Series, where a record 116,219 fans turned out over the two days, leaving them sixth overall in the standings having finished 13th last year. 

“It is amazing, credit to those boys the 12 of them have been absolutely fantastic and there are about another 10 back in the USA that have worked their socks off all year, their work effort has been fantastic," said head coach Friday. "I've said to them if you work hard in life then you get the rewards and they've been a credit to their country and their families and I’m proud of every one of them.” 

Captain Madison Hughes added: "It is an absolutely incredible feeling, I remember coming to this tournament as a boy watching from the stands hoping that I could play in it some day. The new management team Mike Friday, Chris Brown and Phil Greening, have revolutionsed the way in which we attack rugby, the way in which we train and our rugby lives. There is so much more to come." 

Earlier two tries from Savenaca Rawaca secured Fiji's win over South Africa in the quarter finals to clinch the series title for the first time since 2006 and only second-ever. Ben Ryan's side went on to beat hosts England 26-12 in the third place play-off before lifting the title. 

"I can’t really put it into words, we were just focusing on the South Africa game, but deservedly won and took the title," said Ryan. "The boys were very overly emotional in the changing room and I had to control them a bit and remind them to start smiling and that this is supposed to be fun. It was certainly a topsy turvy weekend. We wanted to go first day unbeaten and finish what we started in Gold Coast." 

- FULL ROUND-UP, RESULTS & REACTION >> 
- WORLD SERIES FINAL STANDINGS >> 

With a record 116,219 fans attending the two days fans were treated to an enthralling finale which also saw New Zealand win the Plate, Kenya the Bowl and Japan, who will be replaced by Russia as a core side next season, lifting the Shield. 



GLOBAL BROADCAST & STREAMING VIEWING GUIDE >>

 
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BRAVE AUSTRALIAN MEN'S SEVENS DEFEATED IN CUP FINAL AT TWICKENHAM

BRAVE AUSTRALIAN MEN'S SEVENS DEFEATED IN CUP FINAL AT TWICKENHAM

18/05/2015, International, Rugby, World Rugby, Article # 10076533
 
 
 
 
Monday 18 May, 2015

BRAVE AUSTRALIAN MEN'S SEVENS DEFEATED IN CUP FINAL AT TWICKENHAM
The Qantas Australian Men's Sevens team has finished runners-up at the London Sevens after falling short against a red-hot USA side at Twickenham.

The Cup Final loss to the USA (45-22) was preceded by wins over Scotland (31-19) and a memorable demolition of new HSBC Sevens World Champions Fiji (33-7).

Qantas Australian Men's Sevens Head Coach Geraint John said: "The Cup Final was really disappointing. God knows how many tackles we missed in that game, but you have to give credit to the USA, they took it to us physically and we just couldn't match that or bring the intensity that we did in the game against Fiji. Against Fiji, we took the game to them and outmuscled them and I believe it was one of our best performances of the year but unfortunately we couldn't repeat it.

"Overall, it was a good tournament but I think we should be winning games like that Cup Final. We had a huddle at the end and had a quick chat. We've had some good moments, but if we're honest we've been inconsistent too."

John added: "We have a lot of hard work to do and we'll do that in the pre-season in the lead up to the Olympic qualifying event in November. Our goal as a group is to be the best team in the world and we'll put the work in over the winter months to give us the best possible chance of achieving that."

Australia kicked off Finals Day with an impressive win over a confident Scotland outfit who had yesterday defeated hosts England. Nick Malouf opened the scoring after 70 seconds only for Glenn Bryce to respond for the Scots. However, Pama Fou danced through the opposition defence to restore Australia's advantage and further tries from Cameron Clark and skipper Ed Jenkins gave the green and gold an unassailable lead. Gavin Lowe responded for Scotland but Greg Jeloudev crossed over in the final minute to cement the win. A try with the last play of the game from Scotland's Glenn Bryce proved no more than a consolation as the Australians progressed through to the Cup Semi-Finals.

Geraint John's side reserved their best performance of the 2014/15 Sevens World Series season for the Cup Semi-Final against new World Series champions Fiji. The men in gold dominated the game from start to finish as they dismantled a dynamic Fijian side to record one of the results of the season. Tom Lucas capitalised on a fast start to give the Aussies an early lead and from then on it was all one-way traffic as an Ed Jenkins double and a score from Pama Fou helped their side to an incredible 28-point lead at half-time. The second period was an altogether tighter affair with Fiji eventually getting on the scoreboard when Isake Katonibau dotted down for a five-pointer. However, the under-rated Nick Malouf had the final say when he scored in the right hand corner to put an exclamation mark on a memorable display.

In the Cup Final itself against the USA, Nick Malouf handed an injury-ravaged Australian team the perfect start but then it was from there it was America that took control. Madison Hughes and Danny Barrett (2) put the Eagles into a healthy lead only for Lewis Holland to hit back. Speedster Perry Baker extended the USA lead and Maka Unufe added another as the game slipped away from the men in green and gold. Sam Myers pulled one back when he capitalised on a defensive slip from a line-out but fittingly it was an impressive American side that had the final say when Thretton Palamo broke free to secure the USA's first-ever Sevens World Series leg.

Elsewhere, Fiji took third place in London after beating England while New Zealand defeated South Africa to claim the Plate.

Australia finish the 2014/15 HSBC Sevens World Series in fifth spot with 120 points. In the race for qualification to the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Australia will head to the Oceania Rugby regional qualifying tournament which takes place in Auckland on 14/15 November.

Qantas Australian Men’s Sevens results in London, England, 16-18 May:
Australia 41-0 Japan, Pool B
Australia 19-14 Wales, Pool B
Australia 10-24 New Zealand, Pool B
Australia 31-19 Scotland, Cup Quarter-Final
Australia 33-7 Fiji, Cup Semi-Final
Australia 22-45 USA, Cup Final

Final placings for the London Sevens (Top 6): 1. USA (22 World Series points), 2. Australia (19 points), 3. Fiji (17 points), 4. England (15 points), 5. New Zealand (13 points), 6. South Africa (12 points)

Final standings in the 2014/15 HSBC Sevens World Series: (Top 6): 1. Fiji (164 World Series points), 2. South Africa (154 points), 3. New Zealand (152 points), 4. England (132 points), 5. Australia (120 points) 6. USA (108 points)


 
The Australian Sports Commission is proud to support the ARU's National Rugby Sevens program by providing funding and direct athlete support as part of Australia's Winning Edge game plan for moving from world class to world best

 
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Fiji and SA set for London showdown

Fiji and SA set for London showdown

17/05/2015, International, Rugby, World Rugby, Article # 10064463
 
MEDIA RELEASE
 
Top two to meet in London Sevens Cup quarters
 
16 May 2015
 
 
Fiji's three wins on day one means they have won all 27 of their pool matches this season - Photo: World Rugby/Martin Seras Lima
 
> Download rights-free photos & audio


- Fiji and SA meet in first QF
- England qualify Team GB for Olympics
- Record 77,033 crowd at Twickenham
- News access footage & photos, courtesy of World Rugby 

HSBC Sevens World Series leaders Fiji will meet second-placed South Africa in an enthralling Cup quarter final at the ninth and final round of the series in London. 

With Ben Ryan's side winning all three of their pool matches, achieving a 100% record from their 27 pool matches this season, South Africa's defeat to the USA in front of a record crowd at Twickenham means the top two sides will battle it out on day two in the first quarter final. A win for Fiji will guarantee them a second World Series title in 16 years and first since 2006. 

"It will give us an outcome," said head coach Ryan. "I'm pleased we've done the whole season unbeaten in the pool stages, that's a big achievement. We win tomorrow morning, we win the world title - simple as that. It's good to be in control of our own destiny. We are in a Cup finaltomorrow, anything after that is irrelevant really." 

- LONDON RESULTS & POOLS ->> 
- SERIES STANDINGS >> 

Third-placed New Zealand, Scotland and USA also maintained 100% records alongside Fiji to set up matches with hosts England, Australia and Canada respectively on day two. 

England's safe passage through to the last eight ensured they will finish fourth in the series and guaranteed Team GB's qualification to the Olympic Games next year alongside hosts Brazil, South Africa, Fiji and New Zealand. 

Tom Mitchell, England captain, said: "It's a fantastic achievement, and I hope the guys were able to soak it up a bit. To get over the line is something very special. Representing Team GB is a dream for any athlete." 

Elsewhere Japan's failure to reach the Cup quarter finals means they will be relegated and replaced by Russia on the 2015/16 series. 

- FULL ROUND-UP & REACTION >> 

While the Series is again being streamed live online at worldrugby.org (certain geo-blocking applies), fans can also watch highlights on World Rugby's YouTube channel, or on worldrugby.org.
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Series set for enthralling finale in London

Series set for enthralling finale in London

15/05/2015, International, Rugby, World Rugby, Article # 10023403
 
MEDIA RELEASE
 
Series set for enthralling finale in London
 
15 May 2015
 
 
Seabelo Senatla leads the try-scoring charts with 43 from eight rounds - Photo: World Rugby/Martin Seras Lima
 
> Download rights-free photos & audio


- Final squads of 12 named for all 16 teams
- Fiji, SA and NZ to compete for 16th title
- Record crowd expected at Twickenham
- News access footage available from finale


The final squads of 12 have been announced for the ninth and final round of the 2014-15 HSBC Sevens World Series in London. 

At the top an unchanged Fiji will battle it out with South Africa and New Zealand for the overall series title at Twickenham. 

The Blitzboks make one change with Justin Geduld replacing the injured Cecil Afrika, a former World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year winner, while Sir Gordon Tietjens makes three changes, also losing a former winner of the coveted award to injury in Tim Mikkelson. 

- VIEW THE 16 FINAL SQUADS >> 
Following their victory at the Glasgow Sevens last weekend, Fiji head into the Marriott London Sevens in first place with Ben Ryan's side aiming to win their first Series title since 2006. 

Not since 2010 has a side other than New Zealand lifted the coveted trophy, but with Fiji on 147 points, and South Africa on 142, the four-time defending champions will have their work cut out to win a 13th World Series title as they sit third on 139. 

- SERIES STANDINGS (AFTER EIGHT ROUNDS) >> 
South Africa captain Kyle Brown said: "It is a dream of every player on the circuit to win a series title, and when you come within touching distance, it is a great place and a phenomenal feeling to have been on top for so long. It is disappointing to drop from top spot, but that is not something that will define us." 

Fiji captain Osea Kolinisau added: "It would be really special to win the World Series title, most of the boys think back to the likes of Waisale Serevi 10 years ago, and we will be happy to be counted as some of the players that have lifted the series alongside some of the legends." 

All three sides have cemented their place for rugby sevens' debut in the Olympic Games next year, with just one spot remaining to add an extra edge to the series finale. 

Giles Morgan, Group Head of Sponsorship & Events for HSBC Holdings said: “The HSBC Sevens World Series has continued to go from strength to strength and it’s extremely exciting that three teams are still in contention going into the final round. With the added significance that one remaining team can join Fiji, South Africa and New Zealand by achieving automatic Olympic qualification through finishing in the Series top four, it’s sure to be a fascinating weekend of Sevens.” 

While the series is again being streamed live online at worldrugby.org (certain geo-blocking applies), fans can also watch highlights on World Rugby's YouTube channel, or on worldrugby.org. Day one has already sold-out with 75,000 set to head to Twickenham, but tickets are still available for day two. 

GLOBAL BROADCAST & STREAMING VIEWING GUIDE >>
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Paris joins stellar World Rugby Sevens Series host destination line-up from 2015-16

Paris joins stellar World Rugby Sevens Series host destination line-up from 2015-16

15/05/2015, International, Rugby, World Rugby, Article # 10019642
MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Friday 15 May

Paris joins stellar World Rugby Sevens Series host destination line-up from 2015-16
en français ci-dessous

 

  • Paris joins 10-destination Series from 2015-16 cycle
  • Paris joins Vancouver, Sydney, Cape Town and Singapore as a new host on record-breaking Series
  • Rugby sevens experiencing record-growth in Olympic qualification year

    Paris will join the stellar line-up of new global destinations for 2015-16 World Rugby Sevens Series cycle.

    One of the world’s most iconic cities, Paris joins Vancouver, Sydney, Cape Town and Singapore as new hosts on the 10-stop Series, reflecting the global prestige and attraction of rugby sevens ahead of its Olympic Games debut at Rio 2016.

    The impressive 20,000 capacity Stade Jean Bouin will play host to the world's top male players with the event dates due to be announced along with the full Series schedule shortly.

    World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "With excitement increasing ahead of Rio 2016, the World Rugby Sevens Series is going from strength to strength, proving a hit with fans, broadcasters and sponsors around the globe with its winning blend of compelling and competitive action, global destinations and festival atmosphere.

    "Paris is one of the world’s major tourism destinations and has sport at its heart and its inclusion within a superb line-up of iconic global locations is exciting for players and fans and underscores the strength of the rugby sevens brand in the global sporting marketplace.

    "I have no doubt that the Paris Sevens will inspire new audiences and participants, underscore Paris’ credentials as a major event host and contribute to the continued strong growth of the game around the world."

    Paris' last appearance on the Series was in 2006 and its return follows a highly competitive tender process with the successful Federation Française de Rugby and City of Paris bid focusing on furthering France’s commitment to sevens, which will make its Olympic Games debut at Rio 2016.

    Federation Française de Rugby President Pierre Camou said: "Hosting the best teams in the world is a fantastic opportunity to promote rugby sevens in France. Our objective is to make this tournament a rugby sevens flagship which will attract new fans for rugby. Over the next four seasons, the goal is for this tournament to become the not-to-be-missed event in French rugby."

    With South Africa, Fiji and New Zealand securing qualification via the HSBC Sevens World Series in Glasgow last weekend, attention now turns to this weekend's #London7s and the race to secure the final qualification spot available via the Series standings, while the race for the overall title looks set to go down to the wire.

    Editors' notes

    The 2015-16 World Rugby Sevens Series will not clash with Rugby World Cup 2015 and will commence after the completion of the event, enabling the world’s best players to complete in the Series ahead of Rio 2016.

    The 2013-14 HSBC Sevens World Series was a record-breaking success on and off the field, with 569,262 fans attending the nine events around the world.

    Sevens’ commercial and broadcast appeal was further highlighted by another record season for television broadcast, with 4,590 hours of coverage achieved across 145 countries. Live, delayed live and highlights programming was aired in 12 languages across 34 channels, with an estimated 400 million homes and 900 million people reached.

    For the first time, World Rugby also streamed every minute of the action live on its website, allowing fans to follow the action either on TV or online in every country in the world.

    Paris accueillera un tournoi des World Rugby Sevens Series à partir de 2015-16

     

  • Paris accueillera un tournoi des Séries à partir du cycle 2015-16
  • Paris, après Vancouver, Sydney, Cape Town et Singapore devient une nouvelle étape de la Série
  • Le Rugby à VII connait une croissance record en cette année de qualification Olympique

    Paris rejoint une liste de destinations de rêve pour le cycle 2015-16 des World Rugby Sevens Series

    Paris, l'une des capitales les plus célèbres au monde, rejoint Vancouver, Sydney, Cape Town et Singapore en tant que nouveaux hôtes des Séries à VII qui comptent 10 étapes, reflétant ainsi le prestige mondial et la popularité du rugby à VII avant ses débuts aux Jeux Olympiques de Rio en 2016.

    Le superbe Stade Jean-Bouin d’une capacité de 20 000 spectateurs accueillera les meilleurs joueurs au monde pour cet événement dont les dates de tous les tournois doivent être bientôt annoncées.

    Le président de World Rugby, Bernard Lapasset, a déclaré : « Grâce à l’enthousiasme qui grandit en amont de Rio 2016, les World Rugby Sevens Series rencontrent un succès croissant, une grande popularité auprès des fans, des diffuseurs et des sponsors dans le monde, avec son mélange de spectacle sur le terrain, de destinations de rêve et d’une ambiance de fête.

    « Paris est l'une principales destinations touristiques au monde et le sport y occupe une grande place et son inclusion au sein d'une fantastique liste de villes célèbres est une excellente nouvelle pour les joueurs et les supporters et souligne la force de la marque du rugby à VII dans le marché mondial du sport.

    « Je n'ai aucun doute que le tournoi de Paris inspirera de nouveaux publics et participants, en s’appuyant sur les capacités de Paris d’hôte d’événement majeur et contribuera à la forte croissance continue du jeu dans le monde entier.»

    Le dernier tournoi de cette compétition à Paris date de 2006 et son retour fait suite à un processus d'appel d'offres très compétitif, la Fédération Française de Rugby et de la ville de Paris ayant axé leur dossier de candidature sur la volonté de la France continuer son engagement en faveur du VII, qui fera ses débuts aux Jeux Olympiques de Rio 2016.

    Le président de la Fédération Française de Rugby, Pierre Camou a déclaré : « Accueillir les meilleures équipes du monde à Paris est une magnifique opportunité pour promouvoir la pratique du Sevens en France. En effet, notre ambition est de faire de ce tournoi une vitrine du rugby à 7 qui permettra de séduire les amateurs de rugby à XV et d’amener au rugby un public nouveau. Sur les quatre prochaines saisons, l’objectif est donc d’installer ce tournoi comme un rendez-vous incontournable pour le rugby français »

    Dans la course pour la qualification aux Jeux Olympiques de Rio 2016, Fiji occupe actuellement la tête du classement des Sevens World Series.

    Notes

    Les World Rugby Sevens Series 2015-16 débuteront après la conclusion de la Coupe du monde de rugby 2015, ce qui permettra aux meilleurs joueurs du monde de participer à ces Séries avant Rio 2016.

    L’édition 2013-14 des HSBC Sevens World Series a battu tous les records sur le terrain et en dehors avec 569 262 spectateurs qui ont assisté aux neuf étapes dans le monde.

    Un autre record de diffusion souligne le succès commercial et télévisuel du rugby à VII : 4 590 heures de couverture réalisée dans 145 pays. Des programmes en direct, en différé et des extraits ont été diffusés dans 12 langues sur 34 chaines, pour une estimation de 400 millions de foyers et 900 millions de téléspectateurs.

    Pour la première fois, World Rugby a également diffusé en streaming l’intégralité des tournois en direct sur son site, permettant aux fans de suivre tous les matches, soit à la télévision soit en ligne dans tous les pays du monde
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