19 Aug 2011

japan gets an IRB sevens tournament

5:49 am on 19 August 2011

The International Rugby Board has announced the expansion of the Sevens World Series, with Japan joining as the ninth venue for the upcoming Series.

With 100 days to go until the start of the new Series, Tokyo's Prince Chichibu Stadium has been announced as the venue for the seventh round, one week after the renowned tournament in Hong Kong.

The expansion into Japan is another major boost for Asian Rugby, which has experienced an 18% increase in participation since Rugby World Cup 2007.

The continent is also building towards staging Rugby World Cup for the first time, when Japan will host the 2019 tournament.

New Zealand will host the 4th round in Wellington in early February.