World series returns to Hamilton in January

HAMILTON: The Sevens World Series will return to Hamilton next January with the Black Ferns and All Blacks Sevens set to defend their respective titles.

The New Zealand Sevens is back on the circuit following a twoyear absence due to the Covid19 pandemic.

The resurrected Hamilton event, which will run over two days from January 21, will feature full men’s and women’s draws.

New Zealand Rugby head of tournaments and competitions Cameron Good said the announcement was a feelgood moment after two tough years for the events industry.

‘‘The HSBC New Zealand Sevens has been one of the highlights of the sporting summer since it moved to Hamilton in 2018 and has left a gap in the events calendar over the past two years due to Covid.

‘‘We are thrilled to be bringing a truly international sporting event back to Aotearoa, back to Waikato and back to Hamilton.

‘‘It’s great news for the Black Ferns Sevens and All Blacks Sevens, who are desperate to play in front of their home fans again, it’s great news for the local and regional economies, and it’s great news for all the fans out there who have made it such a vibrant and colourful celebration of sevens.’’

Dallas Fisher, the managing director of 37 South and copromoter of the Hamilton tournament, said the news was a huge boost for the Waikato region.

‘‘It’s a major boost to the hospitality sector, local businesses, tourism and also the morale of the region.

‘‘We’re proud to be event partners and we are looking forward to putting on another great sevens party in Hamilton.’’

A second playing field will be added next to FMG Stadium Waikato to enable the full men’s and women’s draws to be played over two days.

The All Blacks Sevens side has been beaten 1914 by Australia in extra time in the final of the London leg of the World Series.

New Zealand beat Ireland 177 in the quarterfinals and Fiji 2219 in the semifinals.

In the final, Akuila Rokolisoa and Leroy Carter touched down with the game 14all at the end of regulation time.

Player of the final Henry Paterson then scored his third try in goldenpoint extra time to clinch the title for Australia.

Fiji beat Samoa 3126 in the playoff for third.

Australia is now second in the standings behind South Africa with one round to play.

New Zealand, which has played just four tournaments, is ninth. — RNZ