The 2009 Rugby World Cup Sevens will surpass broadcast records for all previous sevens competitions, according to the International Rugby Board (IRB). The tournament, which will take place at Dubai’s purpose-built Sevens complex, features the inaugural 16-team women’s competition running alongside the 24-team men’s event. The March 5-7 competition will be screened in 140 countries by 25 international broadcasters to provide 380 hours of live, delayed and highlights coverage.

IRB President Bernard Lapasset said: “Rugby sevens continues to be a hit with television broadcasters around the world and Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 looks set to raise the bar once more. These record broadcast figures mean that more people than ever before will have the opportunity to experience rugby sevens at its thrilling and spectacular best, furthering the promotion of sevens to the world sporting community as the IRB reaches out for the inclusion of rugby sevens in the Olympic Games.”

The previous television broadcast record for Rugby World Cup Sevens was set at the 2005 tournament in Hong Kong, which pulled in 300 million homes across 125 countries through 20 international broadcasters. The 2007-08 IRB Sevens World Series was the most successful sevens tournament to date, televised in 135 countries by 33 international broadcasters to reach 223 million homes in 13 different languages.