Women’s Series expanded by two rounds

The IRB Women’s Sevens World Series has been expanded by two legs with Sao Paolo, Brazil added as a new venue while the second new destination is yet to be confirmed.

Brazil have also been invited to all rounds of the series as part of IRB strategic programme.

The second year of the series also sees Atlanta, USA added to the destinations, directly replacing Houston.

The six-series competition will also include eight core sides, up from two last year, with the top eight sides from this summer’s World Cup qualifying to be part of the competition. Each round will also see four invited teams participate.

The new series kicks off with Dubai (November 28-30), then Atlanta (February 15-16), São Paulo (February 21-22), Guangzhao (April 4-6) and Amsterdam (May 16-17).

The IRB will confirm the destination of the sixth leg, which will take place directly after Amsterdam, in due course, following what is says has been “unprecedented interest from Member Unions in hosting a round of the showcase series.”

IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “This announcement caps a great year for Women’s Sevens and follows an outstanding and highly competitive Rugby World Cup Sevens in Moscow and a strong inaugural IRB Women’s Sevens World Series.”

“The appetite for hosting our marquee women’s events has never been higher and the inclusion of São Paulo in an expanded IRB Women’s Sevens World Series reflects the incredible growth of the women’s Game globally as well as tremendous excitement in

“Brazil boasts one of the world’s top-ranked international women’s teams and I have no doubt that the debut event at the Arena Barueri will prove popular and give us a taste of what to expect at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.”.

Brazilian women's captain Julia Sardá added: "It's essential that Brazil gets to play more rugby, as we will host the next Olympic Games. Having the opportunity to play against the best teams in the world with family and friends watching is amazing and we hope to show to the world that Brazilian rugby is evolving."

Clickhereto hear from IRB Women's Development Manager Susan Carty andhereto hear from Brazil women's coach Chris Neil

2013/2014 CORE TEAMS:

AUSTRALIA, CANADA, ENGLAND, IRELAND, NEW ZEALAND, RUSSIA, SPAIN, USA

First leg:Dubai, United Arab Emirates, November 28-30, 2013

Second leg:Atlanta, Georgia, USA, February 15-16, 2014

Third leg:Arena Barueri, São Paulo, Brazil, February 21-22, 2014

Fourth leg:Guangzhao University Town Stadium, Guangzhao, China, April 4-6 2014

Fifth leg:National Rugby Centrum, Amsterdam, Netherlands. May 16-17, 2014

Final leg:TBC