The spokesperson said sevens is an investment for World Rugby. Photo: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby
World Rugby has denied media reports that the four-yearly Sevens World Cup competition for both the men's and women's teams has been axed.
However, a spokesperson for the governing body confirmed that a review is currently underway, but "no decisions have been taken yet".
The spokesperson said World Rugby continually reviews its competition structures to ensure that they continue to optimise strategic outcomes for unions and the global body in an evolving sports, media, and entertainment landscape.
According to media reports out of Europe and in New Zealand, the World Rugby administrators are cutting costs by dropping Sevens World Cup dropped.
The Rugby Sevens World Cup has been played since 1993 in the men's competition and since 2009 in women's.
"There is currently a review of the sevens landscape being undertaken," the World Rugby spokesperson said.
"Central to this is union and player considerations as ultimately, the structures serve high performance needs of unions in preparing for an Olympic Games, including the role of the world championship.
"No decisions have been taken, but very happy for you to use the below statement. Please also note that sevens is an investment for World Rugby, not a loss maker. It is an essential investment to grow an Olympic sport."
"As such, a comprehensive review of the Rugby Sevens landscape is being undertaken in partnership with stakeholders with the objective of taking the sport to the next level on the journey through to the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028, an important milestone for the sport ahead of men's and women's Rugby World Cups in the USA in 2031 and 2033."
The spokesperson said following the success of the abbreviated format of the sport at the Paris Olympics, "the review will examine the optimal programme of events within the next Olympic Games cycle and beyond".
It will also examine the important regional pathways and domestic competitions to create an ecosystem that advances sporting, financial and fan imperatives for all.
"A decision will be made later in the year."
The Fiji men's sevens team have been part of the World Cup meets since 1993 and are the current world champions after winning their third title in Cape Town, South Africa in 2022.
Their previous wins were at the 1997 event in Hong Kong and 2005 also at the So Kon Po Government Stadium.
The Fijians and New Zealand share the most wins, with three titles each.
The women's competition has seen Australia and New Zealand sharing two titles each, since the inception in 2009.
The Fijiana sevens team is the only Pacific team that has competed at the event in 2013, 2018 and 2022.
