Paris revealed as latest World Rugby Sevens Series host for 2015-2016

The Stade Jean Bouin will host the Paris Sevens ©Getty Images

Paris will host a leg of the World Rugby Sevens Series for the first time since 2006 after World Rugby confirmed the French capital as the latest hosts of the 2015-2016 edition of the event.

The city is the fifth destination to be announced with Singapore, Vancouver, Cape Town and Sydney all set to host the world’s top male players.

Action is due to take place in the 20,000-capacity Stade Jean Bouin, which held the semi-finals, third place play-off and final of the 2014 Women's Rugby World Cup, and will feature the best sevens teams from across the world as they build up to the sport making its debut on the Olympic programme next year in Rio de Janeiro.

Paris’s inclusion follows a tender process in which the successful French Rugby Federation (FFR) and City of Paris bid focused on furthering France’s commitment to sevens.

The decision to add Paris to the schedule, though, is expected to mean that Glasgow will be dropped from the schedule next season.

Fiji will be bidding to defend their title in 2016 having been crowned 2014-2015 series winners in London ©World Rugby

"With excitement increasing ahead of Rio 2016, the World Rugby Sevens Series is going 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,” said World Rugby chairman Bernard Lapasset.

"Paris is one of the world’s major tourism destinations and has sport at its heart and its inclusion within a superb line-up of iconic global locations is exciting for players and fans and underscores the strength of the rugby sevens brand in the global sporting marketplace.

"I have no doubt that the Paris Sevens will inspire new audiences and participants, underscore Paris’ credentials as a major event host and contribute to the continued strong growth of the game around the world."

The 2014-2015 edition drew to a close in front of a record crowd at Twickenham Stadium in London yesterday, where Fiji were crowned as the overall champions ahead of South Africa, while the United States earned their first ever win in the series.

Fiji, New Zealand and South Africa having already booked their places at Rio 2016 via top four finishes in the overall standings for the 2014-2015 cycle, while England sealed Team GB’s place at the Games by clinching the remaining quota spot.

As hosts Brazil were assured of a Rio 2016 berth.

A further seven teams will attempt to join the five qualified teams in remaining qualification tournaments.