What Is 2022-23 World Rugby Sevens Series

Overview

The 2022–23 World Rugby Sevens Series marked a full return to international competition after disruptions due to the global pandemic. This season featured a revitalized calendar with 10 combined men’s and women’s events held across five continents, showcasing elite-level rugby sevens.

Organized by World Rugby, the series served as a critical platform for national teams to earn ranking points and prepare for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Both the men's and women's competitions followed a points-based format, with consistent performance across tournaments determining the final standings.

• New Zealand (Men): Won the men’s title with 196 points, securing victories in Dubai, Hamilton, and Los Angeles.
• Argentina (Men): Finished second with 182 points, highlighted by a win in Vancouver and strong consistency.
• New Zealand (Women): Dominated the women’s series with 184 points, winning four of the 10 events.
• Australia (Women): Came in second with 172 points, winning tournaments in Sydney and Langford.
• Series Duration: Spanned from December 2–4, 2022, in Dubai to June 3–4, 2023, in Los Angeles.

How It Works

The World Rugby Sevens Series operates on a cumulative points system where teams earn points based on final standings in each tournament. The team with the highest total at season’s end wins the series title.

• Tournament Format: Each event features pool play followed by knockout rounds; 12–16 teams compete per gender.
• Scoring System: Tournament winners receive 30 points, runners-up 25, third place 22, and so on.
• Global Rotation: Host cities included Dubai, Cape Town, Hamilton, Sydney, and London across five continents.
• Player Eligibility: National unions field squads of 12 players per event, with substitutions allowed.
• Match Duration: Games consist of two 7-minute halves, with finals lasting 10 minutes per half.
• Olympic Qualification: Strong series performance helped teams secure spots in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the top-performing teams in the 2022–23 series:

The table illustrates how consistency across events determined success. While New Zealand swept both titles, Argentina and Australia demonstrated strong depth, particularly in the men's and women's divisions respectively. The close point margins highlight the competitive balance in modern sevens rugby.

Why It Matters

The 2022–23 series was pivotal for player development, national pride, and Olympic preparation. It provided exposure for emerging nations and helped refine strategies ahead of Paris 2024.

• Global Reach: Events in 10 cities across six countries boosted rugby’s visibility in non-traditional markets.
• Player Development: Young athletes from Fiji, USA, and Kenya gained vital experience on the world stage.
• Gender Equity: Equal prize money and broadcast coverage reinforced World Rugby’s commitment to parity.
• Commercial Growth: Sponsorship deals with HSBC and Mastercard increased investment in the sport.
• Olympic Impact: The series served as a qualifier pathway for 12 of 12 men’s and 12 of 12 women’s Olympic teams.
• Media Exposure: Over 150 million viewers tuned in globally, with live coverage on World Rugby’s digital platforms.

The 2022–23 World Rugby Sevens Series not only crowned champions but also advanced the sport’s global footprint, setting a benchmark for future seasons.