Speculation is increasing regarding the future of the Rugby 7s World Cup, with reports surfacing that it may be removed from the World Rugby calendar. A Tuesday report from the Spanish outlet Marca suggested that the governing body is considering axing the event for both men’s and women’s teams. However, World Rugby has quickly denied these claims.
According to RNZ, a spokesperson for World Rugby stated that while a review of competition structures is ongoing, no final decisions have been made regarding the World Cup. The governing body is committed to optimizing its competition formats amidst an evolving sports and entertainment landscape. The spokesperson emphasized that they’re continually assessing all programs within World Rugby, including both 7s and 15s formats.
Marca’s report mentioned that moving forward, the title of world champion for Sevens rugby may instead be awarded to the victors of the existing HSBC World SVNS Series finals. This change comes after the introduction of the World SVNS Series final during the 2023-2024 season, culminating in a major event in Madrid where France and Australia emerged as champions in their respective categories.
Currently, Fiji holds the Melrose Cup, having triumphed in the 2022 edition of the tournament in Cape Town, South Africa. Fiji Rugby Union CEO Rovereto Nayacalevu indicated awareness of the speculation regarding the World Cup but stressed that no official changes or cancellations have been communicated by World Rugby at this time.
As the review process continues, it remains to be seen what the future holds for the Rugby 7s World Cup, with fans hopeful that the esteemed tournament will continue its legacy since its inception in 1993. The ongoing discussions reflect World Rugby’s intention to remain responsive to the dynamic nature of global sports, which may ultimately yield exciting developments in the structure of rugby competitions.
In summary, while there is uncertainty regarding the Rugby 7s World Cup’s status, World Rugby has clarified that nothing has been decided yet and reassured that a wide review of all rugby programs is in progress.
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