HSBC Sevens World Series on Track for Record TV Figures

The HSBC Sevens World Series is on track to break the record television broadcast levels achieved last year.

During Samoa’s title-winning season of 2009/10, spanning December 2009 to May 2010, international television coverage for the World Series rose on the previous year’s high to over 3,500 hours broadcast into 141 territories by 35 broadcasters.

Over the first half of the 2010/11 season, comprising the four events in Dubai, South Africa, New Zealand and USA, figures published by the IRB's television distribution partner Pro-Active Television indicate that there has been a 10% increase in live coverage so far this season - 550 hours compared with 500 at the same stage last year - as well as a 10% increase in delayed ‘as live’ coverage taken on tape.

"The HSBC Sevens World Series is reaching new heights this year. We are seeing more fans, sponsors and broadcasters from more countries attracted to Rugby Sevens' winning blend of highly-competitive action, skillful athletes and festival atmosphere," said IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset

"Central to this formula is broadcast coverage and what we are seeing is increased awareness and popularity around the world in both exisiting and emerging Rugby markets as we count down to Rugby Sevens' Olympic Games debut in 2016 in Rio."

In addition, the official highlights programme is being aired in a wider range of territories such as India, China and Japan in Asia as well as on the continent’s Pan-Asian network Star; Russia, Italy, Israel and most recently Croatia are now broadcasting highlights in Europe and the show also continues to be carried inflight on four major airlines – Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Air New Zealand and British Airways.

Arguably the most significant development this season has been in the USA, where coverage was aired for the first time on NBC and NBC Universal, reaching over 100 million homes in America live during the USA Sevens.

Only six years ago the total airtime for the World Series was 300 hours. This season’s coverage will amount to over 10 times that figure, underlining the considerable advances Rugby Sevens has made in the eyes of international broadcasters and the global sporting public.

With the HSBC Sevens World Series now watched in a record 141 countries in 15 languages, the potential reach likely to break the 400 million homes barrier for the first time this season.

The remaining four events this season will be played in Hong Kong (March 25-27), Adelaide, Australia (April 2-3), London, England (May 21-22) and Edinburgh, Scotland (May 28-29).

Further Information:

Dominic Rumbles, IRB Head of Communications, +353 868 520 826, email dominic.rumbles@irb.com