The next world circuit will be made up of three divisions. “This model responds to the evolution of the sports and media landscape, while preserving a clear journey throughout the season,” explains the International Federation.
World Rugby will launch a new competition format for the global rugby circuit at 7 in 2026, with a regular season left in three divisions and an increased number of events, in order to make the format more profitable and more competitive, the international federation announced on Thursday. This new competition model will pass the calendar from 10 to 13 tournaments next year, with the main objective of expanding the world scope of rugby at 7 for the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028.
The season will conclude with three prestigious events each bringing together 12 male and female teams, in order to designate annual world champions. The eight teams participating in the next Los Angeles tournament (May 3-4) will form the teams in division 1. The teams ending in the 9th In 12th place at the end of the Los Angeles dams will qualify for the 2nd division and teams finishing classified between the 13th And 16th place will start their 2025-2026 season with respective regional qualifications.
Sam Pinder, Managing Director of World Rugby Sevens, explains in a press release: “World Rugby is firmly engaged in the success of rugby at 7 as the 2028 Olympic Games approaches and invests 10 million pounds sterling per year in the SVNS, a large part of which in the team participation costs. This revamped model offers greater certainty to federations thanks to a greater number of events, increased competitiveness, more numerous development opportunities than ever and, above all, a financially viable event ecosystem that draws a clear path for the future of rugby at 7 International. ”
And add: “If it is true that any change can be difficult, it is an evolution which ultimately guarantees the sustainable development of a sport which has proven itself at the Olympic Games and which highlights some of the most talented athletes on the planet. We are grateful for the commitment shown by all stakeholders throughout the consultation process and we are now delighted with the promising future that promises to be for the short format of our sport. “
