Rugby sevens: International tournament to return

The New Zealand International Sevens tournament will again be held at Wellington's Westpac Stadium in early February next year.

All the dates for the 2005-2006 IRB Sevens Series have been released by the International Rugby Board today.

New Zealand, the current IRB Sevens champions, will open the defence of their title in Dubai on 1-2 December, followed by tournaments in South Africa (9-10 December), New Zealand (3-4 February), the United States (11-12 February), Hong Kong (31 March – 2 April), Singapore (8-9 April), Paris (27-28 May) and England (3-4 June).

As well, the New Zealand Sevens team will be defending its Commonwealth Games title at the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games in March.

New Zealand Sevens Coach Gordon Tietjens said it would be a huge year for his team but they would be ready for the challenge.

"We'll be defending our home tournament title in Wellington which will be a great build up for the Commonwealth Games the following month. Then it's up to Hong Kong straight after that. It doesn't get any bigger than that."

Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast said the International Sevens was one of the highlights of not just Wellington's, but New Zealand's events calendar.

"Every year the atmosphere and the rugby just gets better and better and if nothing else, the Sevens weekend in Wellington confirms that we sure know how to throw a great party."

* 2005-2006 IRB SEVENS TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

1-2 December 2005: Dubai
9-10 December 2005: George, South Africa
3-4 February 2006: Wellington
11-12 February 2006: USA
31 March – 2 April 2006 Hong Kong
8-9 April 2006: Singapore
27-28 May 2006: Paris
3-4 June 2006: London