USA will host the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens, it has been announced.
It marks rugby's continued growth across America after USA Eagles hosted the All Blacks in front of the 61,500 sold-out crowd at Soldier Field last November - the first time international rugby had been played in an NFL stadium.
World Cup matches will be played at AT&T Park which is most commonly known as the home of the San Francisco Giants and Avaya Stadium in San Jose.
World Rugby chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "Rugby Sevens continues to go from strength to strength, proving a hit with fans, broadcasters and sponsors around the globe with its winning blend of compelling and competitive action, global destinations and festival atmosphere.â€
"Rugby World Cup Sevens is at the heart of the success story and we are delighted to be awarding these prestigious hosting rights to USA Rugby after a competitive process.â€
USA Rugby CEO Nigel Melville added: "This is a truly historic moment for rugby in USA. Not only will we be playing in two world-class venues, but we will do it in the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area.â€
“Hosting a Rugby World Cup is an important step forward for rugby in the USA and will bring high levels of visibility and interest for the game in the country.â€
Rugby Sevens has grown increasingly popular in recent years and will make its Olympic debut at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.
World Rugby made the decision last year to move Rugby World Cup Sevens back one year, into the middle of the Olympic cycle to maximize the sport’s integration on the Olympic Games program.
Rugby was last played in the Olympics in 1924, with USA taking the gold medal.
http://www.espn.co.uk/rugby/story/_/id/12879228/united-states-win-bid-host-2018-rugby-world-cup-sevens-tournament-san-francisco-san-jose-california
