World Rugby Sevens Series cancelled

World Rugby has announced the remaining rounds of the Women’s and Men’s 2020 World Rugby Sevens Series have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Series was due to stop in Langford, London, Paris, Singapore and Hong Kong but World Rugby has confirmed the decision to bring the series to an early conclusion.

In a statement, World Rugby said the decision follows detailed and constructive dialogue with the host and participating unions and that the health and wellbeing of the rugby community and wider public was the top priority.

New Zealand will be awarded both the Women’s and Men’s titles courtesy of being top of the standings before the pandemic interrupted the Series.

The Ireland Men, in their maiden season as a core team, will finish 10th out of the 17 teams participating.

The Ireland Women also claim a 10th place finish in the 2020 standings out of 14 teams.

It was also decided there will be no relegation from the women’s or men’s Series in 2020.

Japan are awarded the inaugural men’s Challenger Series title as they topped the rankings after the two completed events.

Japan will join the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2021 as the 16th core team.

World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont said: "While it is very disappointing for players, fans, organisers and everyone involved to have to cancel these events due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the health and wellbeing of the rugby community and wider society remains the number one priority.

"These difficult decisions have been taken following detailed consultation with our union partners and in line with advice from the various government and public health agencies around the world, given the global nature of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

"Rugby sevens is a key driver of global growth for our sport, particularly in emerging nations, and it firmly remains a top priority for our organisation.

"As we begin to see light at the end of the tunnel, 2021 has potential to be a very exciting year for rugby sevens with the Tokyo Olympic Games on the horizon.

"Congratulations to New Zealand on being awarded both the women’s and men’s Series titles following their outstanding and consistent performances prior to the onset of the pandemic.

"And to Japan for being crowned champions of the inaugural Challenger Series and securing a core place on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2021."