The International Rugby Board has confirmed that three Unions have formally expressed their intention to tender to host Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013.

Brazil, Germany and Russia are keen to host Rugby Sevens’ showcase tournament for the first time, featuring 24 men’s and 16 women’s teams playing over three days of competition.

The strong level of tender interest is another significant boost for Rugby Sevens at a time when the sport is enjoying its highest ever profile following the International Olympic Committee’s decision to include the sport in the Olympic Games, starting from 2016 in Rio de Janeiro.

“This announcement means that the tournament is guaranteed to break new ground as it will be hosted by a new territory, demonstrating Rugby Sevens’ growing global appeal,” said International Rugby Board President Bernard Lapasset.

“With the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016 to look forward to, Rugby Sevens is certainly on a high. Its winning blend of exciting, try-filled action, world class men’s and women’s players and spectacular Rugby has proven a major hit with commercial partners and broadcasters the world over, while also proving highly successful in reaching out to new audiences and attracting new nations to the sport.”

“The fact that three new nations from South America and Europe are committed to tendering for Rugby World Cup Sevens is a further representation of the global prestige and growth of a tournament that is a major event on the sporting calendar and one that is cost-effective to host,” added Lapasset.

The host of Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013 will look to follow in the footsteps of Dubai 2009, which elevated Rugby Sevens to new heights and demonstrated why the sport is a perfect fit for the Olympic Games.

The first to feature a women’s competition, Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 pushed the boundary for Rugby Sevens once more, shattering all previous broadcast records with the action reaching 141 countries through 29 international broadcasters in 19 languages.

“Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 was the highlight of the Rugby year as a spectacle and a resounding success, breaking all previous hosting records. It also demonstrated the advances that have been made on the playing side across all continents, with Kenya and Argentina excelling in the men’s tournament and Brazil, Thailand and China making a big impression in the Women’s competition,” added Lapasset.

The Host Union for Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013 will be selected by the IRB Council at its May 2010 meeting.

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