The governing body are confident that they will build on the success of previous Series as the sport builds towards its Olympic debut at Rio 2016 next year, having agreed deals with global partners and broadcasters.

Banking giant HSBC, the title sponsor of the men’s World Rugby Sevens Series since 2009, agreed to a four-year extension to their existing deal with World Rugby in July, giving them naming rights of the men’s and women’s events until 2019.

Additionally, German company DHL were named as a Global Partner and official logistics provider for the Series as they look to step up their previous involvement in the premier rugby sevens event.

In the past, they have sponsored individual tournament legs in the UAE, the United States and Hong Kong.

World Rugby have also revealed that 5,884 hours of coverage was broadcast on television last season to an estimated 400 million homes, which was available in 12 different languages and in 144 nations.

While live coverage of the events will be stepped up for the season, World Rugby's official highlights programme is set to air on some new free-to-air broadcasters, including ITV4 showing highlights in the United Kingdom for the first time.

World Rugby are confident of expanding the number of nations with access to highlights, and they claim deals are pending in several territories.

Traditional coverage will be complimented by online highlights, while feature content will also be available via a dedicated video hub which is designed to bring fans close to the players and give them the chance to tailor their own action sequences.

Broadcast media will also be able to access Video News Release (VNR) footage for online use and features at the end of each day from both the men's and women's events.

The Gillette World of Sport magazine series will feature sevens coverage throughout their programme, which is broadcast in 200 markets.

The 10-event men’s series is set to get underway in Dubai on December 4, with Fiji seeking to defend their overall title.

Meanwhile, the first women’s event will begin tomorrow (December 3) with New Zealand the reigning champions.

Related stories
November 2015: World Rugby release schedule for opening HSBC Sevens Series round in Dubai
September 2015: Crowds for 2016 London Sevens tournament controversially cut by RFU - as fancy dress banned
July 2015: HSBC sign new sponsorship deal for World Rugby Sevens Series as schedule revealed for historic season
May 2015: Paris revealed as latest World Rugby Sevens Series host for 2015-2016
May 2015: Fiji secure Sevens World Series title as US claim historic Cup win in London