The writing appears to be on the wall for the international rugby sevens tournament in Wellington, with the event suffering a financial loss for the first time in 18 years.
A review of the January tournament is still being carried out, but in all likelihood it will be moved to another city or New Zealand may be dropped from the international sevens circuit altogether.
Organisers struggled to sell a third of the tickets for the tournament this year and while he wouldn't reveal the size of the loss, the chief executive of New Zealand Rugby Steve Tew says it has led to a sobering re-think about the tournament's future.
"The gate incomes from the Wellington Sevens this year has left us with a loss for the first time ever and that has caused a sobering re-think of just where we sit.
"Where (the tournament) sits right now is not where it wants to be and despite significant endeavours to re-shape, re-position, and re-price it hasn't worked from a fan interest perspective.
Should Wellington lose the tournament, Dunedin and Hamilton are seen as possible candidates of hosting the tournament.
Photo: PHOTO NZ Fans are deserting the Wellington Sevens tournament.