Paris set to replace Scotstoun as Rugby Sevens venue

GLASGOW’s hopes of retaining its place on the World Rugby Sevens circuit appear to have been dashed yesterday after the game’s governing body confirmed that Paris would be a host city next season.

Fiji celebrate winning the Emirates Airline Rugby Sevens cup. Picture: Jane Barlow

It’s is understood the French capital will replace Scotstoun, which has been a host venue for the past four years. Prior to that, Murrayfield staged the Scottish leg of the World Sevens.

Paris’ last appearance on the Series was in 2006 and its return follows a highly competitive tender process. World Rugby said the successful bid from the Federation Française de Rugby and the city of Paris focused on “furthering France’s commitment to sevens, which will make its Olympic Games debut at Rio 2016”.

Bernard Lapasset, the chairman of World Rugby, said: “With excitement increasing ahead of Rio 2016, the World Rugby Sevens Series is going from strength to strength, proving a hit with fans, broadcasters and sponsors around the globe with its winning blend of compelling and competitive action, global destinations and festival atmosphere.

“Paris is one of the world’s major tourism destinations and has sport at its heart and its inclusion within a superb line-up of iconic global locations is exciting for players and fans and underscores the strength of the rugby sevens brand in the global sporting marketplace.

“I have no doubt that the Paris Sevens will inspire new audiences and participants, underscore Paris’ credentials as a major event host and contribute to the continued strong growth of the game around the world.”

Paris joins Vancouver, Sydney, Cape Town and Singapore as new hosts on the 10-stop Series.

The future of the Scotland sevens team had been in doubt, with the Scottish Rugby Union citing reduced revenue from the potential loss of the Glasgow tournament as a factor. However, the SRU confirmed on Thursday night that it was retaining the sevens team.