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The IRB today confirmed that a record global audience switched on to the television broadcast coverage of the 2008/09 IRB Sevens World Series.

The report, published by the IRB’s television production partner Pro-Active Television, indicates that coverage reached 139 countries across six continents, with 35 broadcasters showing the action from the most competitive Series to date. The grand prix-style Series, won by South Africa, accumulated 3323.5 hours of total airtime, an increase of 88% on the 2007/08 season, which was itself a record year.

The programmes were carried in 15 languages with a potential reach of 334 million homes worldwide, a 33% increase on last year.

The report also shows that live coverage of the events increased by 10% with a significant 67% increase in ‘as live’ coverage. Repeats and highlights added an additional 291 broadcast hours, an increase of 65% on last year.

“Rugby Sevens continues to go from strength to strength. Its winning formula of exciting, competitive matches, world class players and spectacular action has proven to be a major hit with broadcasters around the world over the past decade. The figures in the report indicate that Sevens is hugely appealing to broadcasters and sponsors, while reaching new audiences worldwide,” said IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset.

“Sevens has delivered some exciting emerging teams to challenge the more traditional Rugby nations such as New Zealand, South Africa, England and Australia. Kenya, the USA and Portugal all featured strongly in the latest Series in addition to the likes of Fiji, Argentina and Samoa, all of whom have already established themselves at or near the top of the game.

“Today’s announcement marks another positive development for the IRB and highlights the global enthusiasm for Rugby Sevens at a time when the Game is reaching out for Olympic Games inclusion and illustrating to the Olympic Family its strong following around the world,” added Lapasset.

The IRB Sevens World Series comprised eight tournaments in Dubai, South Africa, New Zealand, the USA, Hong Kong, Australia, England and Scotland.

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