Pictures and Videos: World Rugby
The first HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series tournament of the year will take place in Hamilton, New Zealand on 25-26 January.
The captains of the 28 participating men’s and women’s teams came together at the iconic Hamilton Gardens on Wednesday to launch this historic event which will see 12 international women’s teams play their first ever world series event in New Zealand.
This landmark move comes as the women’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series expands to eight rounds this season, with Hamilton being one of six that are combined with existing men’s events.
After back-to-back wins in Dubai and Cape Town, the Black Ferns Sevens will be looking to go one further and secure their first world series victory on home soil while their male counterparts will be aiming to replicate their recent victory in South Africa this weekend.
When and Where?
The HSBC New Zealand Sevens takes place at FMG Stadium in Hamilton (23,600) on the North Island. The matches kick-off on Saturday 26th January at 10:00 local time (GMT+13) and Sunday 27th January 10:00 local time (GMT+13). The final is scheduled for 20:10 local time (GMT+13) on Sunday.
Where Can I See It?
In the UK, Sky Sports covers both days of the competition. For an extensive overview of all other broadcaster check out this guide.
Who’s the favourite?
After a few years of disappointment for the hosts, this year could be a perfect weekend for New Zealand’s women’s and men’s teams with a traditionally supportive home crowd. Both teams are leading the tables and go into the weekend with heaps of confidence.
One to Watch
The French superstar Séraphine Okemba has shown at the last tournament in Cape Town why she is such a threat for the Les Bleus with her powerful running style.
The young All Black Ngarohi McGarvey-Black only made his debut earlier in 2019 and has proven already that he can be a game-changer for New Zealand.
THE POOLS
Women’s
Pool A: New Zealand, Fiji, England, China
Pool B: Australia, USA, Russia, Brazil
Pool C: Canada, France, Spain, Ireland
Men’s
Pool A: New Zealand, Scotland, USA, Wales
Pool B: South Africa, Kenya, England, Japan
Pool C: France, Ireland, Canada, Spain
Pool D: Fiji, Argentina, Australia, Samoa
