The International Rugby Board has confirmed that Argentina will not host a leg of the 2012-13 HSBC Sevens World Series as previously planned.
La Plata was, for the first time, set to host a leg of the tournament in October, but the IRB and the UAR have revealed that they will postpone this by a year. With the Pumas set to take their bow in the Rugby Championship on Saturday, rugby is on the rise in Argentina and IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset is adamant that the venue will develop into “one of the must see events on the circuit”.
“The IRB understands and fully supports what was a very difficult decision for the UAR,” Lapasset said. “They have kept us fully informed throughout the review process and we believe that the decision they have taken is in the best interests of the Union, Argentinean Rugby and the HSBC Sevens World Series.
“The Union is dedicated to the delivery of a memorable and successful Series event that showcases rugby in South America. By extending the delivery timescale we can work in partnership with the UAR and all stakeholders to ensure that the event in 2013/14 achieves all strategic aims, is beneficial for rugby in Argentina and South America and secures its place on the Series as one of the must see events.”
2012-13’s HSBC Sevens World Series:
Gold Coast (Australia) – October 13-14, 2012
Dubai – November 30 – December 1
Port Elizabeth (South Africa) – December (Date TBC)
Wellington (New Zealand) – February 1-2, 2013
Las Vegas (USA) – February 8-10
Hong Kong – March 22-24
Tokyo (Japan) – March 30-31
Glasgow (Scotland) – May 4-5
London (England) – May 11-12
