What Is 2017-18 World Rugby Sevens Series

Overview

The 2017–18 World Rugby Sevens Series was the 19th edition of the global men's rugby sevens competition, organized by World Rugby to promote fast-paced, high-scoring rugby across continents. The season spanned from December 2017 to June 2018, featuring 10 tournaments in diverse locations including Dubai, Cape Town, and London.

This circuit played a crucial role in developing elite rugby talent and expanding the sport’s global footprint. With fast transitions and short match durations, the Sevens Series attracted younger audiences and boosted participation in non-traditional rugby nations.

• New Zealand won the 2017–18 series championship with 198 points, marking their first title since 2015 and ending a two-year dominance by Fiji and South Africa.
• The USA finished second with 183 points, their best-ever series performance, fueled by consistent top-four finishes across all 10 events.
• Fiji claimed the most tournament victories with 5 wins—in Dubai, USA, Hong Kong, Canada, and London—but finished fourth overall due to inconsistent results.
• The season kicked off on December 1, 2017, in Dubai and concluded on June 3, 2018, in London, with each leg lasting two to three days.
• A total of 16 core teams participated throughout the season, including traditional powerhouses like South Africa, England, and Australia, as well as emerging nations such as Kenya and Japan.

How It Works

The World Rugby Sevens Series operates on a cumulative points system across ten global events, rewarding teams based on final standings in each tournament. Teams earn points for final rankings, with deeper runs in knockout stages yielding higher totals.

• Format: Each tournament features 16 teams divided into four pools of four, playing round-robin matches before advancing to knockout rounds based on pool standings.
• Match Duration: Games last 14 minutes (two 7-minute halves), significantly shorter than traditional 80-minute rugby, increasing pace and scoring opportunities.
• Points System: The series awards points based on final placement—20 points for winning a tournament, 18 for second, down to 1 point for 16th place.
• Core Teams:16 core teams have guaranteed entry to all 10 events, while one team is relegated and replaced annually based on the previous season’s performance.
• Global Reach: Events were hosted across five continents—including Dubai, Vancouver, Hong Kong, and Paris—ensuring broad international exposure and fan engagement.
• Player Load: Due to the condensed schedule, players face 3–4 matches per weekend, requiring exceptional fitness and squad rotation strategies.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top five teams in the 2017–18 World Rugby Sevens Series final standings:

Despite winning the most tournaments, Fiji’s inconsistency in later events cost them the overall title. New Zealand’s strength lay in remarkable consistency, finishing in the top four in 8 out of 10 events. The USA’s historic second-place finish highlighted the growth of rugby in North America, particularly after their wins in Las Vegas and Vancouver. South Africa and England maintained strong performances but lacked the sustained edge of the top three. This table illustrates how tournament wins alone don’t guarantee series victory—cumulative points and consistency are key.

Why It Matters

The 2017–18 World Rugby Sevens Series had significant implications for the sport’s global development, Olympic qualification, and national team strategies. Its fast-paced format continues to attract new fans and broadcasters, enhancing rugby’s appeal beyond traditional markets.

• Olympic Momentum: Following rugby sevens’ return to the 2016 Rio Olympics, the series gained increased visibility and investment from national unions.
• USA’s Rise: The USA’s second-place finish signaled a shift in global rugby power, with improved training, funding, and youth development programs.
• Player Development: The series served as a launchpad for stars like Randall Hales and Madison Hughes, who became household names in emerging markets.
• Commercial Growth: Broadcast deals expanded, with ESPN and SuperSport increasing coverage across North America and Africa.
• Gender Parity: The men’s success paralleled growth in the Women’s Sevens Series, promoting gender equality in rugby sponsorship and media.
• Pathway to Relegation: Portugal finished 15th and was relegated, making way for Canada to return as a core team for 2018–19.

The 2017–18 season exemplified how competitive balance, global reach, and athletic performance converge in modern rugby. As World Rugby continues to expand the series, its role in shaping the future of the sport remains undeniable.