Glasgow 2014 has today (Tuesday January 14) confirmed the teams and pools for the Rugby Sevens competition at this summer’s Commonwealth Games.
The sixteen teams who will strive for the coveted Gold medal in front of packed audiences at Ibrox Stadium are Australia, Canada, Cook Islands, England, Kenya, Malaysia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Scotland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda and Wales.
Reigning champions New Zealand, who have won all four Commonwealth Gold medals to date, have been drawn in Pool A alongside Canada, Nigeria and Scotland.
South Africa (Pool B) and Australia (Pool D) were both among the medals at the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games and, together with Samoa (Pool C) and England (Pool D), are among the nations determined to challenge the mighty All-Blacks’ dominance in Glasgow.
The four Pools confirmed by the International Rugby Board and Commonwealth Games Federation are:
• Pool A – New Zealand, Canada, Scotland, Nigeria
• Pool B – South Africa, Kenya, Cook Islands, Trinidad and Tobago
• Pool C – Samoa, Wales, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia
• Pool D – England, Australia, Sri Lanka, Uganda
A total of 45 games will be contested across two days of fierce competition at Ibrox Stadium in a fast and furious contest which requires teamwork, skill and stamina as two teams with seven athletes on the pitch go toe to toe for glory in games which last just 14 minutes.
Greg Warnecke, Head of Sport at Glasgow 2014 said:
“Glasgow will welcome most of the world’s best Rugby Sevens nations to compete at the Games. The standard of competition will be world-class, the action is fast-paced and with all of the teams playing in each session of competition, it guarantees a feast of rugby action and a brilliant atmosphere all round.”
IRB Chairman, Bernard Lapasset, said:
"For 16 years now Rugby Sevens has enjoyed being a key part of the Commonwealth Games. To compete alongside their compatriots in a multisport environment is a matter of huge pride and honour for our rugby players, who are making giant strides in this new Olympic era. We wish our Rugby athletes all the best in this magnificent international event."
Limited opportunities still remain to be part of the Rugby Sevens crowd at Ibrox with ticket prices starting from just £15 for adults. Tickets are on sale on a first-come, first-served basis online at glasgow2014.com or via the Ticketing Hotline at 0844 826 2014.
The full competition schedule – detailing dates and times of matches - will be announced next month.