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Newly-crowned IRB Sevens World Series champions Samoa have been named in a strong line-up of nations competing in the Rugby Sevens tournament at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi this October.
Samoa, who secured their first IRB Sevens World Series crown with victory in the Emirates Airline Scotland Sevens on May 30, will be joined by reigning Commonwealth Games Rugby Sevens champions New Zealand, hosts India, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Kenya, Namibia, Uganda, England, Scotland, Wales, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Canada and Guyana in the 16-team tournament held on October 11-12.
Marking one year since Sevens’ inclusion as an Olympic sport at the 121st IOC Session in Copenhagen, the tournament will be the first opportunity to witness its successful blend of high-paced action and competitive matches in a multi-sport Games environment since inclusion.
IRB President Bernard Lapasset said: “We firmly believe that the Sevens tournament at the Commonwealth Games plays an important role in the ongoing development and promotion of Rugby around the world. The event continues to attract some of the world’s top players, delivering exciting matches and attracting new fans thanks to the remarkable talent of all the international teams competing.
“The Sevens tournament at the Commonwealth Games has consistently proven successful and this year we are particularly excited that the event is being held in India where Rugby is reaching out to new young audiences in a rapidly developing market for our sport. We are looking forward to what promises to be a memorable tournament for the Rugby family and sports fans alike.”
Mike Hooper, Chief Executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation said: “With a record crowd of 50,000 at the final Rugby Sevens session in Melbourne in 2006, the Rugby Sevens tournament has become one of the most sought-after attractions at the Commonwealth Games, providing an excellent spectacle for both fans and television viewers.
"The inclusion of some of the world’s best Sevens teams and star players from every corner of the world continue to broaden the Games’ global appeal even further.”
The Pools and Tournament Schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.
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