Speculation is rife that the Rugby 7s World Cup may be sidelined.
A report from Spanish publication Marca on Tuesday stated there is a possibility that the Rugby 7s World Cup will disappear from the calendar by decision of the World Rugby Union.
However, according to RNZ, World Rugby has denied media reports that the four-yearly Sevens World Cup competition for both the men’s and women’s teams has been axed.
RNZ reported that a spokesperson for the governing body confirmed that a review is currently underway, but “no decisions have been taken yet”.
The spokesperson said World Rugby continually reviews its competition structures to ensure that they continue to optimise strategic outcomes for unions and the global body in an evolving sports, media, and entertainment landscape.
Marca attributed its report to sources from the governing body that the title of world champion for sevens rugby will go to the winner of the existing World SVNS Series finals.
The HSBC World SVNS Series final was introduced during the 2023-2024 season with the tournaments building up to a major showdown in Madrid where France and Australia were crowned champions of the men’s and women’s categories.
Fiji is the current holder of the Melrose Cup, having won the 2022 edition in Cape Town, South Africa.
Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer Rovereto Nayacalevu said that while they are aware of this possibility, nothing official has come out from World Rugby.
“It is still under review and discussion by World Rugby. There is nothing formal yet for the cancellation of the World Cup 7s program.,” he said.
He said all other programs under World Rugby are being reviewed.
“All programs including 7s and 15s are being reviewed but that does not mean that there will be no more tournaments.”
After 2022, no date was set for the major event that happens every four years since its inception in 1993.
