Wellington Sevens confirmed for next five years

Wellington is to host the IRB Sevens tournament for the next five years.

The International Rugby Board and New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) said today New Zealand was one of seven countries confirmed as hosts for the Sevens World Series events, which starts in Dubai in December.

Other tournaments will be played in George (South Africa), San Diego (United States), Hong Kong, Adelaide (Australia) and London.

The eighth host country was to be confirmed later.

NZRU deputy chief executive Steve Tew said the IRB's decision to award a tournament to New Zealand was a credit to a great job done by the Wellington event organisers.

Wellington Rugby Football Union Chief Executive Malcolm Holmes welcomed the news.

- NZPA