Defending champions: Wales
The International Rugby Board (IRB) has confirmed that eight unions have expressed a formal interest to host the World Cup Sevens in 2013.
Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Germany, Hong Kong, Russia, Scotland and USA all submitted their interest to tender for the global showcase tournament by the deadline on October 30.
The strong level of tender interest is another significant boost for Sevens rugby at a time when the sport is enjoying its highest ever profile following the International Olympic Committee's decision to include the sport in the Olympic Games, starting from 2016 in Rio de Janeiro.
"The International Rugby Board is delighted with the phenomenal level of interest in hosting Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013," said Rugby World Cup Limited Chairman Bernard Lapasset.
"Rugby Sevens' winning formula of exciting, explosive action, competitive matches, world class men's and women's players and plenty of spectacular tries has proven a major hit with commercial partners and broadcasters the world over, while also proving highly successful in reaching out to new audiences.
"At a time when we look forward to the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016, that eight unions from countries across five continents are attracted to hosting Rugby World Cup Sevens clearly highlights the global prestige of the tournament which has grown to become a major event on the global sporting stage," added Lapasset.
The eventual host of the 2013 tournament will look to emulate this year's ground breaking event held in Dubai. The first to feature a women's competition, Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 pushed the boundary for Sevens once more, shattering all previous broadcast records with the action reaching 141 countries through 29 international broadcasters in 19 languages.
"Rugby World Cup Sevens was a resounding success on and off the field, breaking all previous hosting records," added Lapasset.
"It also highlighted the exponential growth across emerging markets such as North and South America, Asia and Africa with the likes of Kenya, USA, Argentina and Tunisia stamping their mark in the men's tournament and Brazil, Uganda, Thailand and China shining in the women's event."
Tendering unions for Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013 have been asked to follow the same format as the 2009 tournament with 24 men's and 16 women's teams competing over two or three days.
Rugby World Cup Sevens has also recommended that tenders maintain the blend of two pitches within one city, ideally co-located. This will maximise the festival feel across the two competition pitches and the integration between the men's and women's tournaments.
Unions have until December 15, 2009 to formally confirm that they will tender for the tournament. The host union for Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013 will be selected by the IRB Council at its May 2010 meeting.
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