HSBC London Sevens schedule revealed
The pools and match schedule have been announced for the HSBC London Sevens at Twickenham Stadium on 25-26 May in the penultimate round of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2019.
While the race for the series title is nearing its climax,
Olympic qualification is also at stake as the top four teams in the
2019 series will confirm their place at Tokyo 2020 alongside host
nation Japan.
With just 24 points separating series leaders USA from fourth
placed South Africa, who were victorious at the previous round of
the series in Singapore, the scene is set for a thrilling weekend
of sevens action in London.
England are currently lying in fifth position in the series standings and will be relying on the support of the home crowd as they look to make up ground on the top four and the Olympic qualification spots.
Simon Amor's England are drawn with New Zealand, Scotland and Ireland in Pool C, while current series leaders USA will take on Australia, Spain and Wales in Pool D.
Pool A sees reigning series champions South Africa face Argentina, Canada and Japan. In Pool B Fiji will begin the defence of their London title against Samoa, France and Kenya.
World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: "The penultimate round of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in London is set to be a thrilling event with the double significance of qualification to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at stake alongside the race for the series title."
"Twickenham Stadium is always a special place for rugby players to perform and we look forward to another weekend of fast, skilful and highly entertaining rugby sevens in front of a large crowd in London."
Play gets under way in London at 09:30 BST on Saturday 25 May when Australia and Wales take to the field in the first of 45 action-packed matches over two days.
Spectators can enjoy live music and DJ sets, fairground rides, children's entertainers, garden games and chill-out zones, creating a rare and unique sporting occasion for all.
VIP packages are still available online from £49 here.