World Sevens Series

Hamilton back on World Sevens series calendar

The New Zealand Sevens is back on the circuit following a two-year absence due to the COVID pandemic.

The resurrected Hamilton event, which will run over two days from January 21, will feature full men's and women's draws.

New Zealand Rugby Head of Tournaments & Competitions, Cameron Good, said the announcement was a feel-good moment after two tough years for the events industry.

No men's World Sevens Series until after the Olympics

Women players will have a chance to warm up for Tokyo with back-to-back tournaments in Paris in May but the first men's event is not scheduled until October.

World Rugby announced that five women's and four men's rounds have been finalised, with the addition of two more men's events still under discussion.

After the Paris women's events on May 15-16 and May 22-23 the Series takes a break for the Olympic repechage in June - the final qualification event ahead of the Tokyo Games which begins on July 23.

Fijian players included in Sevens Series 'Dream Team'

Fiji internationals Napolioni Bolaca and Aminiasi Tuimaba were joined in star-studden men's line-up by Fiji born Tavite Veredamu, who impressive season with France.

Bolaca was the top point-scorer on the global circuit last season while Tuimaba earned a second successive selection after finishing third in the series try-scoring tally, behind Ireland's Jordan Conroy and American speedster Carlin Isles.

Fiji, Samoa make changes for Vancouver 7s

Tuimaba arrived home yesterday morning to join his family who are mourning the loss of his grandfather, who the Yasawa speedster attributes much of his rugby and professional success to.

Ikanikoda sustained a high grade ankle injury in the Monday's Cup final defeat by South Africa in Los Angeles.

Fiji coach Gareth Baber said the squad was fortunate to have enough depth that he could call upon replacements without disruption to their preparation for Canada.

Tonga take heart from strong 7s showing

The kingdom finished sixth in the Sevens Challenger Series over the past fortnight to secure their spot in the final World Series Qualifier later this year.

Tu'ifua only had 11 fit players and three staff during the final tournament in Montevideo whereas most of the top teams had 14-man squads as well as half a dozen officials.

"All these teams they carried the full-staff with video analysts and a medical and strength and conditioning [coach] as well but for us it's only three," he said.

One new cap in Fiji 7s squad for LA, Vancouver

Head coach Gareth Baber said the Police star's consistent work ethic and attitude to training has impressed.

"He's got a maturity about his game, and he knows the game of sevens, he just loves to work, he's got a great work ethic and that's what we love about him."

The other 13 players in the touring squad remain unchanged with Meli Derenalagi retaining the captaincy in the continued absence of regular skipper Paula Dranisinukula.

'The pressure is on' - Hamilton readies for World Rugby Sevens

Twenty-eight teams will take part in the first fully integrated men's and women's international tournament to be played in New Zealand.

Both the All Blacks Sevens and the Black Ferns Sevens teams come to Hamilton victorious from the previous round held at the end of last year in Cape Town.

All of the 28 teams have now arrived in Hamilton.

The teams have spread out around the city making time between training to promote the game and visit hospitals, rest homes and get involved with younger players.

Hamilton 7s to have no quarterfinals

A new format has been placed by World Rugby for the tournament next month where teams who finish first in their pools will directly qualify to the semifinals.

Fiji who is the defending Hamilton 7s champion will need to win all their pool matches to keep their hopes of retaining their title alive.

Fiji is pooled with Australia, Argentina, and Samoa.

Cape Town 7s champions New Zealand are in Pool A with Scotland, USA and Wales while South Africa are in Pool B with Kenya, England and Japan.

France has been drawn with Ireland, Canada and Spain in Pool C.

Fijiana finish strong at Kitakyushu 7s

After losing all three pool matches on day one against Ireland, USA and England, the Fijiana bounced back to defeat hosts Japan 28-17 before crushing Spain 41-12 in the playoff for ninth place.

It's Fiji second consecutive ninth place finish under new head coach Saiasi Fuli, who was appointed in December.

Fiji remain in 10th place in the overall World Series standings after four of six legs, three points behind the Spaniards but a whopping 21 points adrift of the top eight.

Samoa aims to finish top four of the series

Coach Gordon Tietjen says it’s every team’s dream to play and win at the World Seven’s capital, the Hong Kong 7s.

Currently placed seventh in the World Series standings, Tietjen says they want to improve its performance to get automatic qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.