Record viewing figures for the Rugby Sevens World Series event has been announced by the International Rugby Board (IRB).

The IRB's broadcast report has showed that, for a fifth consecutive year, a record global audience tuned in.

141 countries across six continents via 34 broadcasters covered the eight-tournament 2009/10 series.

The grand prix-style series saw 3,561 hours of total airtime - which was seven per cent up on the 2008/09 series.

IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "Rugby sevens continues to prove itself a huge hit with fans, broadcasters and sponsors around the world, attracting new members to the global rugby family and with the ultimate seal of approval given by the IOC [International Olympic Committee] last year [when the game was voted into the programme for the 2016 Olympics], the sky is the limit for this exciting sport.

"The non-stop, highly competitive action and festival atmosphere continues to be the sport's winning formula, combined with the fact that so many nations can compete side by side and stand a genuine chance of winning."