Following a thrilling doubleheader at the Emirates Dubai 7s, which saw the South African men and Australian women take home the silverware, attention now turns to Spain where Malaga will host the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series for the first time.
Taking place on 21-23 January, Spain prepares to make its debut as a host nation where the Estadio Cuidad de Malaga will welcome 16 men’s and 12 women’s teams for three days of non-stop action. Malaga will become the first new host city in the women’s competition since Hamilton in New Zealand in 2020 and the 18th overall.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the New Zealand men’s and women’s teams are unable to travel to Spain for the Malaga and Seville events and will be replaced by Germany and Belgium, respectively.
The play will kick-off at 09:00 local time on Friday, 21 January with a women’s Pool C encounter between Russia and Brazil before Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze medallists France take on England.
In the men's tournament Pool A will feature Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medallists, Fiji, Dubai champions South Africa, England and Scotland.
Pool B includes Germany, Australia, Ireland and Japan while hosts Spain will take on the USA, Samoa and Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze medallists Argentina in Pool C.
Completing the pool line-up is Kenya, Wales, France and Canada who make up Pool D.
