IRB Announce New Promotion & Relegation Structure for HSBC Sevens World Series

October 9, 2013

The International Rugby Board (IRB) has announced a new structure for the HSBC Sevens World Series ahead of the opening round in Australia this weekend.

A two-stage promotion and relegation process will be introduced from the 2013/14 season. Promotion to core team status for the 2014/15 campaign will be settled during round seven of the upcoming Series, where 12 regional qualifiers will compete for a single promotion place.

Relegation from core team status will be decided at the conclusion of the season, when the bottom-ranked team will lose their core status for the 2014/15 campaign.

The new structure reflects the IRB’s mission to ensure all of its Member Unions have the opportunity to compete in the HSBC Sevens World Series on merit.

IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “We are now well into our first four-year Olympic cycle for Rugby Sevens and it is important that the opportunity exists for all nations to progress to Series core team status if they are good enough. 

“This new system guarantees that a new nation will be rewarded with that opportunity in the 2014/15 Series. 

“It also provides even more excitement for the fans attending these thrilling events, or following on television and online around the world.” 

Giles Morgan, Global Head of Sponsorship & Events, HSBC Holdings plc, added: “Each year the HSBC Sevens World Series gets even more competitive with more countries emerging as potential Cup winners at each tournament. It is exciting for fans and players alike and all contributes to the growth of the sport around the world.”