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The World Sevens Series is returning this fall, but it will have a very different look to it. Not only is the circuit limited to just five men’s events and two women’s following the cancellation of the Paris and Hong Kong tournaments, the competing teams will also be incomplete.
Only 12 men’s teams will be taking part in the first two stops, both in Canada. Vancouver and Edmonton will be without all three Olympic medalists – Gold champions Fiji, runners-up New Zealand, and Bronze winners Argentina – due to the ongoing affects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Australia and Samoa are also absent, while there is a notable inclusion of Great Britain on the Sevens Series for the first time. Funding cuts have seen the England, Scotland, and Wales teams effectively disbanded leaving only one team to represent the three countries.
Germany makes its first circuit appearance under the guidance of former Canada Men’s coach Damian McGrath. Other confirmed teams are Chile, France, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, Spain, South Africa, and the USA. The 12th team is yet to be determined.
Meanwhile a four-team mini-competition for the women has also been announced. Canada will compete against France, Great Britain, and the USA. The Vancouver tournament takes place on September 18 and 19 at BC Place, with Edmonton the following weekend at Commonwealth Stadium.
