Paris joins Sevens circuit

Paris will join the stellar line-up of new global destinations for 2015-16 World Rugby Sevens Series circuit.

The French capital is one of five cities that will join the World Series from next season.

Vancouver, Sydney, Cape Town and Singapore have also been added to the 10-destination series for the 2015/16 season, leading up to the sport's debut at the Olympics in Rio.

The event will be held at the Jean Bouin stadium, home of the city's Top 14 outfit Stade Francais.

"With excitement increasing ahead of Rio 2016, the World Sevens Series is going from strength to strength, proving a hit with fans, broadcasters and sponsors around the globe with its winning blend of compelling and competitive action, global destinations and festival atmosphere," said World Rugby chairman Bernard Lapasset in a statement.

"Paris is one of the world's major tourism destinations and has sport at its heart and its inclusion within a superb line-up of iconic global locations is exciting for players and fans and underscores the strength of the rugby Sevens brand in the global sporting marketplace.

"I have no doubt that the Paris Sevens will inspire new audiences and participants, underscore Paris' credentials as a major event host and contribute to the continued strong growth of the game around the world."

The city last hosted a leg of the World Series in 2006.

"Hosting the best teams in the world is a fantastic opportunity to promote rugby Sevens in France," added French federation President Pierre Camou.

"Our objective is to make this tournament a Sevens flagship which will attract new fans.

"Over the next four seasons, the goal is for this tournament to become the not-to-be-missed event in French rugby."

Sydney replaces the Gold Coast and Cape Town has been selected ahead of Port Elizabeth while Vancouver and Singapore have been picked instead of Tokyo and Glasgow.