Revamped Sevens Series conclude in Cape Town
SPOTLIGHT: Cape Town Sevens will take on a new mantle after World Rugby announced that the popular event in the Mother City will be the final leg of a revamped and shortened World Rugby Sevens Series in 2021.
The South African leg of the Series will return to the Cape Town Stadium from December 10-12 after a Covid-enforced absence in 2020.
The condensed 2021 World Series includes five women’s and four men’s rounds and kicks off in Paris with back-to-back women’s tournaments on two weekends in May, before the teams set sail for the Olympic Games, scheduled for Tokyo in July.
The World Series will then recommence with men’s events in Singapore (October 29-30), followed by joint men’s and women’s events in Hong Kong (November 5-7), Dubai (December 3-4) and finally in Cape Town (December 10-12).
Detailed discussions are continuing with London and Vancouver on the viability of hosting men’s events in the window following the Olympic Games and prior to the Singapore Sevens in October.
Coming to a theatre near YOU! pic.twitter.com/S9PyjKZ2D1
— Springbok Sevens (@Blitzboks) March 3, 2021
SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux welcomed the announcement and said that the rugby fraternity had been waiting for confirmation of one of the most anticipated sports events in the country.
“The Cape Town Sevens has delivered a world-class event for spectators and players alike since we moved the tournament to Cape Town Stadium in 2015,” said Roux.
“We are working very hard to ensure the same high standards and expectations are met this year, given the changed environment and expected pandemic guidelines that will apply.”
Roux said the 2021 season would be a taxing one on players and administrators and applauded World Rugby’s efforts in this regard.
“We have seen the disruptions caused by COVID-19 in the last year and it was not easy to get all the moving parts together, especially as the postponed Olympic Games also impacted on the normal planning,” added Roux.
“Credit must go to those involved to make sure that we will not only have a World Series, but also one that could finish on an absolute high here in Cape Town.
“We saw a very good appetite for the dual format of the tournament in 2019 and I am convinced that the same will apply this December. The fact that we will be the final tournament of the series will add to the excitement and drama that is so closely associated with sevens rugby.
“Matches will be played over three days and with some of the world’s best athletes and the unpredictability of sevens, the Cape Town Sevens will yet again provide our spectators with hours of excellent entertainment.”
World Rugby Interim Chief Executive Alan Gilpin said: “Today’s announcement of the World Rugby Sevens Series 2021 schedule marks a significant and exciting moment for rugby seven’s re-emergence from the impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
“As a key driver of game growth, particularly in emerging markets, the continued success of rugby sevens and the Sevens Series is a strategic priority for World Rugby and our US$4 million funding to support sevens programmes is a clear demonstration of our commitment.
“This unique Olympic year provides a huge opportunity to reach new audiences around the world and introduce them to the speed, skill and excitement of rugby sevens, encouraging them to become future fans of the Series.
“Above all, the health, safety and wellbeing of players, fans and the wider community remains our top priority and all stakeholders will continue to closely monitor global developments with the COVID-19 pandemic and work closely with host governments and health agencies to ensure a safe, secure and highly impactful return to the World Rugby Sevens Series.”
