Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
The pools have been drawn for the opening round of the HSBC World Series in Dubai on December 4-5th, 2015. Coming off of their 2014/2015 Championship, Fiji heads up Pool A in the Men’s bracket. Women’s Champions, New Zealand, lead up Pool A in the Women’s bracket.
The USA men have been drawn into Pool C alongside New Zealand, France, and Portugal. The USA Women are in Pool B with their rivals Canada, Fiji, and Ireland.
World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset, said: “These are exciting and ground-breaking times for rugby sevens as we head into an Olympic Games year and the opportunity for our top men’s and women’s players to showcase their talents to new audiences on sport’s greatest stage.
“With new iconic locations, new star players and anticipated record attendances, broadcast and social media exposure, never has there been so much excitement ahead of a new season of sevens. The road to Rio 2016 promises to be both competitive and compelling and I am sure we will attract, engage and inspire record numbers of new fans along the way.”
Giles Morgan, Global Head of Sponsorship and Events, HSBC Holdings, added: “HSBC is a committed long-term supporter of rugby and rarely has there been a more exciting moment for the game. Following a spectacular Rugby World Cup, the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series has a unique opportunity to drive the game onwards to the gold medal opportunity of Rio 2016. As rugby sevens breaks into new and unchartered territory, the next 10 months will be the catalyst for even greater growth, participation and engagement. As title sponsors of both the Men’s and Women’s Series for the first time, we are looking forward to providing support throughout that journey.”
Men’s Pools
Pool A – Fiji, Argentina, Canada, Japan
Pool B – South Africa, Scotland, Samoa, Russia
Pool C – New Zealand, USA, France, Portugal
Pool D – England, Australia, Wales, Kenya
Women’s Pools
Pool A – New Zealand, France, Russia, Brazil
Pool B – Canada, USA, Fiji, Ireland
Pool C – Australia, England, Spain, Japan
