Rugby sevens: New Australian venue announced

Skilled Park. Photo / Getty Images

The Australian leg of the IRB sevens world series will now be held on the Gold Coast after Adelaide played host for five years.

The Australian Rugby Union today announced Skilled Park - the home of the Gold Coast Titans rugby league club and soccer's Gold Coast United - would be the venue for the next four years.

Australia's iconic tourist destination will hold the first tournament of the 2011-12 series in November after being selected ahead of bids from Adelaide, Perth and Sydney.

"We know events like Dubai, Hong Kong and Wellington all put on a show that attracts people from around the world and we are confident that the decision to host this tournament on the Gold Coast will deliver another exciting opportunity for fans to enjoy international sevens," said ARU chief executive John O'Neill.

New Zealand can be guaranteed strong support given the sizeable ex-pat community living in the region.

- NZPA