World Rugby prepares to reduce HSBC series core teams from 12 to 8
As reported by El Observador, World Rugby has made the call to reduce the main series from 12 to 8 teams, a further cut after slashing the field from 16 teams just two seasons ago.
Kenya Sevens national team Shujaa will be forced to grapple with new changes that are set to affect the HSBC Rugby Sevens Series for the 2025/26 season.
The number of core teams in the World 7s Series will be reduced once again, with only eight teams expected to feature in the top tier next season.
This represents a major turn of events that will likely see Kenya 7s drop out of the elite category come 2026.
As reported by El Observador, World Rugby has made the call to reduce the main series from 12 to 8 teams, a further cut after slashing the field from 16 teams just two seasons ago.
This means that the core teams will have reduced by half in just two years; a remarkable reduction.
World Rugby attributes the decision to ongoing financial challenges.
The body argues that the series has been running on losses since the COVID-19 pandemic and can no longer sustain the same level of support for all participating teams.
It has, however, come up with a new format that it feels will have an impact, regardless of the current situation.
Under the new format, the top four teams from the promotion/relegation playoff will earn slots in three second-tier events next season, with an opportunity to feature in three more tournaments later in the campaign alongside top-tier teams.
Four sides will also receive the £300,000 (Sh 51.4 million) prize pool currently awarded to each of the main circuit teams, at least for the first year.
The revised circuit will consist of six core legs featuring the top eight men’s and women’s teams.
Below them, a new second division will include six teams: four coming from the Los Angeles repechage and two others via a one-off Challenger event.
The Challenger will feature eight teams per division, ranked 13th to 20th globally.
Each season will conclude with three grand finals, where 12 teams, the eight top-tier sides plus four qualifiers from the second division will battle it out.
Securing a top-four finish in the LA playoffs guarantees entry into those second-tier tournaments, a shot at the final stages, and the financial package.
It will thus be a more competitive format that Shujaa will have to endure if they are to make any headway on the World Sevens Calendar.
When reached for comment by Radio Generation Sport, Kenya Rugby Union officials stated that they would react to the situation at the end of the season.