HSBC London Sevens from 25-26 May

Thursday, 2 May 2019 00:44 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

World Rugby has confirmed the pools and match schedule for the HSBC London Sevens at Twickenham Stadium on 25-26 May, the penultimate round of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2019.

While the race for the series title is nearing its climax, Olympic qualification is also at stake as the top four teams in the 2019 series will confirm their place at Tokyo 2020 alongside host nation Japan.

With just 24 points separating series leaders USA from fourth-placed South Africa, who were victorious at the previous round of the series in Singapore, the scene is set for a thrilling weekend of sevens action in London.

Host nation England are currently lying in fifth position in the series standings and will be relying on the support of the home crowd as they look to make up ground on the top four and those all-important Olympic qualification spots.

Pool A sees reigning series champions South Africa face Argentina, Canada and Japan. In Pool B, Fiji will begin the defence of their London title against Samoa, France and Kenya.

Hosts England are drawn with New Zealand, Scotland and Ireland in Pool C, while current series leaders USA will take on Australia, Spain and Wales in Pool D.

Ireland are the invitational team again in London, following their outstanding bronze medal performance last year. They arrive fresh from success at the recent series qualifier event in Hong Kong, which secured their place as a core team on the 2020 series.

World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont said: “The penultimate round of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in London is set to be a thrilling event with the double significance of qualification to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at stake alongside the race for the series title. Twickenham Stadium is always a special place for rugby players to perform and we look forward to another weekend of fast, skilful and highly entertaining rugby sevens in front of a large crowd in London.”

Play gets underway in London at 09:30 local time (GMT+1) on 25 May when Australia and Wales take to the field in the first of 45 fast-paced and action-packed rugby sevens matches over two days.

Adult tickets start from £ 30, with tickets for accompanied children under 15 starting from £ 10. Children under two are admitted free-of-charge.