USA Rugby to bid for 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens

from USA Rugby:

BOULDER, Colo. – In response to the International Rugby Board’s announcement today that the Rugby World Cup Sevens tournament will be retained and integrated into the Olympic Games cycle, USA Rugby confirmed its intentions to bid for the right to host the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens.

The USA Rugby Board has appointed Board Director, international businessman and sports enthusiast Will Chang as Chairman of their bid. Chang will visit Moscow later this month to study the Russian capital’s hosting of the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to head the bid committee and potentially bring the Rugby World Cup Sevens to America,” Chang said. “Hosting this tournament will support our goals of developing the Game and further its popularity in the United States. We are looking forward to hearing more about the bid process and will do everything we can to ensure the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens will take place on United States soil.”

USA Rugby hopes to capitalize on the IRB’s goals of showcasing the Game to a global audience and drive interest and participation in key rugby development markets like the United States.

“Rugby is now one of the fastest growing sports in America,” USA Rugby Chief Executive Officer and President of Rugby Operations Nigel Melville said. “We want to continue our growth, showcase the new Olympic sport of Rugby Sevens and take the sport to unprecedented levels in the USA.”

USA Rugby will release more information in due course as the bid process is confirmed.

For more information, please contact Nigel Melville at 303.539.0300 (ext. 114) or nmelville@usarugby.org.