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The International Rugby Board has announced yet more record figures for the popular IRB Seven World Series. The world's leading Rugby Sevens Tournament Series broke new ground during 2006/07 smashing previous attendance and broadcast records to confirm the Series continued global appeal and growth.
The 2006/07 series comprised tournaments in Dubai, South Africa, New Zealand, USA, Hong Kong, Australia, England and Scotland and was the most competitive to date. It was televised by 30 international broadcasters in 11 different languages and reached 213 million homes (up 24 million on 2005/06) in 137 countries (up 1), and had a potential global cumulative reach of over 530 million (up 45 million). Live coverage increased dramatically during the season with 911 hours of action (up 72%).
Backing up these record figures were yet more increased attendance figures. The eight tournament locations, including the three new series venues in Adelaide, San Diego and Edinburgh, garnered a record cumulative attendance of over 250,000. The opening three tournaments in Dubai (32,000), South Africa (12,000) and New Zealand (38,000) were sell outs as was Hong Kong (40,000), while England reported an increased attendance. San Diego, the first of the new venues attracted 29,000 fans with (25,000) and Edinburgh (30,000) also recording strong attendances.
"The continued growth in broadcast and attendance figures for the IRB Sevens World Series reflects the worldwide popularity of Rugby Sevens," said International Rugby Board Chairman, Dr Syd Millar. "It is a sporting spectacle, with highly competitive action, international locations and world class players proving extremely popular to both broadcasters and Rugby fans alike. With its eight tournament format, the IRB Sevens World Series is now firmly established as a key series of events on the global sporting calendar."
"The success of the IRB Sevens World Series is the underlying factor in Rugby Sevens' appeal. Attendance figures are increasing year-on-year, while standards on the pitch continue to set new standards underlining the value participating Unions place in the series as a key player and coach development tool. Last season's series was contested by 32 Unions and was undoubtedly the most thrilling to date with the destination of the overall title not decided until the final day of the final tournament in Edinburgh when New Zealand clinched the silverware in dramatic fashion," added Dr Millar.
On the back of the series' success story and widespread participation, Rugby Sevens has been included in the sporting programme for the Pan-American Games in 2011, while re-inclusion in the All-African Games is now a step closer after the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) endorsed its inclusion. Rugby Sevens has already proven a hit at the Commonwealth Games, while Rugby World Cup Sevens, held every four years, will include a women's tournament for the first time in Dubai in 2009.
The IRB's worldwide production and distribution partner ProActive Television played a significant role in driving these record figures. Based in the UK, ProActive not only managed the distribution of the action on the field, but also managed the distribution of a record number of series news stories with packages reaching over 220 million homes in more than 130 countries.
"The much anticipated 2007/08 series promises to be even better. Interest in the eight series Tournaments is already beginning to build with strong advance ticket sales for the opening events Dubai and South Africa, while with Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 in Dubai just around the corner, the teams will be looking to hone their squads and put down a marker, which all augers for a fascinating contest on the pitch," added Coalter.
Meanwhile, the IRB has also announced that Wales will be included as series core team for the first time. Wales recorded a number of impressive performances on the way to sixth in the standings during 2006/07 and will join New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, South Africa, England, Australia, France, Scotland, Argentina, Kenya and Canada as one of the Series' 12 core teams. USA, who impressed last season, have stepped up their commitment to the series, adding Dubai and South Africa to their roster of five series tournaments in 2007/08.
