Rugby: The Pools Are Set for the IRB Sevens World Series in London

The Pools have been announced for the London stop on the popular IRB Sevens World Series. Set to take place May 22-23, London is the second-to-last stop on the series.

Played at historic Twickenham Stadium, London is another fitting stop on the IRB  series.

“The scene is set for what promises to be a highly competitive tournament played in front of a record crowd in London. With just two events left to be played, it is anyone’s guess as to who will be crowned champions with just six points separating Samoa and New Zealand at the top of the standings,” said IRB Sevens Manager Beth Coalter .

“This has undoubtedly been the most competitive Series to date and the likes of USA, Australia, Kenya, South Africa, Fiji and of course hosts England will be looking to record their first Series title of the year. It will be two days of compelling action.”

Pools for the London Sevens

Pool A: Samoa, Argentina, USA, Italy

Pool B: New Zealand , Kenya, Wales, Portugal

Pool C: Fiji, South Africa, Canada, France

Pool D: Australia, England, Scotland, Russia

“Following Rugby Sevens Olympic inclusion, there has been a marked increase in profile and attendance for the record-breaking Series, and I am sure that London will be superbly attended once again,” added Coalter .

The USA has gotten far worse draws this season and their pool in London gives them a definite shot at reaching the Cup Round for the third straight tournament.

In the event that the USA does reach the Cup Round, the points gained will boost them past at least Argentina in the standings.

Samoa is on fire right now with three straight tournament wins and appears poised to win the IRB Series this season.

The USA kicks off Day 1 of the tournament against Samoa. The meeting will be the third between the two teams in the last three tournaments.

The USA then faces Argentina in a pivotal Pool A matchup . The prize at stake is a trip to the Cup Quarterfinals.

The USA has been tough on Argentina of late, posting victories over them in both Las Vegas and Adelaide. The USA’s 28-12 win in Australia vaulted the team into their first-ever Cup Final.

The USA’s final pool opponent is Italy, a relatively inexperienced team on the IRB Sevens World Series, but not to be overlooked. Italy went 2-3 in Hong Kong posting wins over Russia (14-12) and Chinese Taipei (45-12). 

The USA Sevens team assembles in the weeks leading up to London in their final preparations of the IRB  season. No announcement has been made regarding the training squad.

2009/2010 IRB World Series Standings (Top 10)

1. Samoa

2. New Zealand

3. Fiji

4. Australia

5. England

6. South Africa

7. Kenya

8. Argentina

9. USA

10. Wales