World Rugby shakes up sevens structure
The Black Ferns Sevens will play in a revamped world series next year. Photo: photosport
World Rugby will introduce a new sevens structure in 2026 which will have a three-division regular season and an increased number of events in a bid to make it cost-effective and more competitive.
The updated model will expand the calendar from 10 to 13 tournaments starting next year, with the primary aim of the overhaul being to boost rugby sevens' global reach ahead of the LA 2028 Olympics.
The season will conclude with three high-profile World Championship Series events, each featuring 12 men's and women's teams, to crown the annual world champions.
Rugby sevens was played at the Olympics for the first time at the 2016 Rio Games, with both men's and women's contests.
The eight teams competing in this weekend's world championships in Los Angeles will form the division one teams for the 2026 series.
Heading into the LA leg, the Black Ferns Sevens top the women's rankings, while the All Blacks Sevens are seventh of the 12 men's teams.
The teams that finish with final rankings of ninth to 12th from the LA playoff tournament will qualify for the second division next year, while the 13th to 16th finishers will have to compete in regional qualifier competitions for places in an eight-team third division.
World Rugby Sevens general manager Sam Pinder said 10 million pounds (NZ$22 million) would be invested annually to grow the game, with a large proportion allocated to team participation fees.
"While change can be difficult, this is an evolution that ultimately secures the sustainable advancement of a sport that has proven to be a hit at the Olympic Games, showcasing some of the most gifted athletes on the planet," he said.
The venues for next year's series will be subject to a host tender process.
- Reuters
