World Rugby release schedule for opening HSBC Sevens Series round in Dubai

World Rugby have released the pools for the opening round of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series ©World Rugby

World Rugby have confirmed the pools and match schedule for the opening round of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series for both men and women, with competition set to take place in Dubai.

The 12-team women’s event is due to start on December 3 with the defending series and Dubai leg champions New Zealand set to compete in Pool A against Brazil, France and Russia.

Pool B in the United Arab Emirates comprises of Fiji, Ireland, Canada and the United States.

Australia have been named as the top seed in Pool C where they are due to meet England, Spain and Japan, who will be making their debut in the women’s event.

The women’s competition is scheduled to draw to a close on December 4, with the event being sponsored by HSBC after the banking giant signed an extension to a four-year partnership with World Rugby, which sees them hold the naming rights of both the men’s and women’s tournaments.

The men’s competition is setd to begin on December 4 with the reigning series champions Fiji having been named alongside Canada, Japan and Argentina in Pool A.

South Africa, winners in Dubai in 2014, will face Scotland, Samoa and Russia, who were promoted to being a core team for the 2015 to 2016 series in place of Japan, in Pool B.

The United States, France and Portugal will take on 12-time series winners New Zealand in Pool C, while Pool D comprises of Australia, England, Kenya and Wales.

South Africa's men will be aiming to win back-to-back wins in Dubai — South Africa's men will be aiming to win back-to-back titles in Dubai ©World Rugby

After completion of the pool phase of the competition the knock-out stage will take place on December 5, with the opening round winners confirmed at the close of the day’s action.

World Rugby chairman Bernard Lapasset believes the series will attract a record number of fans as rugby sevens builds towards its Olympic debut at Rio 2016.

"These are exciting and ground-breaking times for rugby sevens as we head into an Olympic Games year and now is the opportunity for our top men's and women's players to showcase their talents to new audiences on sport's greatest stage,” he said.

"With new iconic locations, new star players and anticipated record attendances, broadcast and social media exposure, never before has there been so much excitement ahead of a new season of sevens.

“The road to Rio 2016 promises to be both competitive and compelling and I am sure we will attract, engage and inspire record numbers of new fans along the way.”