The men's team have claimed gold in five of the six tournaments since the sport made its debut at Kuala Lumpur 1998.

There has also been instant success for the women’s side as they emerged victorious on their first appearance at Gold Coast 2018.

Eight players from the men's team that claimed silver at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics have been selected for Birmingham 2022.

New Zealand have been drawn in a group with Sri Lanka, England and Samoa.

"We have a huge amount of respect for Samoa and the way they are playing we think they are a really dangerous team and could easily medal here if they get it right," said coach Clark Laidlaw.

"So we are going to have to play really well to beat them.

"Then obviously England at home.

"There is a lot going on in their programme at the minute and I’m sure emotion will be high with not only playing at home but what’s to come with losing their Sevens programme.

"So, we are well aware of the challenges that will come."

South Africa are the only other side to win the men’s tournament when they claimed victory at Glasgow 2014 - the last time the Games were held in the United Kingdom.

They have been pitted against Scotland, Tonga and Malaysia in Pool B.

"This is a one-off tournament for us, and the focus is always different," South Africa captain Siviwe Soyizwapi said.

"The important thing is how we are growing as a team all season and that is the focus, making sure that everyone is in a good space and that everyone is growing every tournament."

Back-to-back Olympic champions Fiji are also expected to threaten New Zealand’s hopes of defending the men’s title.

Fiji have been selected in Pool C along with Canada, Wales and Zambia, while Australia, Kenya, Uganda and Jamaica make up Pool D.

The women’s competition has been split into two groups of eight, with the top two advancing to the semi-finals.

New Zealand will be looking to retain the crown as they Sri Lanka, Canada and Gold Coast 2018 bronze medallists England - who will be hoping to upset the defending champions on home soil - make up Pool A.

"There's a real buzz around it for us with the aim of going out and achieving gold," said England co-captain Abbie Brown.

"We're all working hard to prepare for Birmingham 2022.

"We're all hugely honoured to go out there and represent England."

Australia will be seeking to make amends for their defeat to New Zealand in the final four years ago.

They have been placed in Pool B along with Fiji, Scotland and South Africa.

Competition is set to run from tomorrow until Sunday (July 31).