The International Rugby Board (IRB) has announced that a record number of countries have formally expressed an interest to host IRB Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009.

IRB Member Unions Arabian Gulf, Australia, Hong Kong, Kenya, Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, South Africa and USA have all informed the IRB of their interest to tender for the tournament that for the first time ever will incorporate a women's competition.

"The International Rugby Board is delighted that nine Unions have expressed an interest in tendering for Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009," said International Rugby Board Chairman, Dr Syd Millar. "This unprecedented level of interest for a Rugby World Cup clearly reflects the importance of this tournament in the world sporting calendar and also the continuing growth of Rugby Sevens on the international stage."

"Rugby World Cup Sevens 2005, held in Hong Kong, was an outstanding success. A capacity crowd of 120,000 fans attended the three competition days, while the event was broadcast to over 450 million homes, breaking all previous tournament records. Over 10 million hits were recorded on the tournament's official website and we anticipate Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 being even more successful."

"This record-breaking growth has been mirrored by the 2005/06 IRB Sevens World Series, which reaches its climax in London this weekend. The coverage of the Series on television, including the IRB's weekly show Total Rugby, has experienced significant expansion and it currently reaches upwards of 150 million homes in 135 countries through 29 broadcasters in 10 languages," added Dr Millar.

Hong Kong has previously hosted the Tournament in 1997 and 2005, however, each Union has a strong association with Rugby Sevens. Australia, hosts of the 2006 Commonwealth Games, attracted a world record crowd of 50,000 to the Rugby Sevens finals day, while Arabian Gulf, South Africa and USA all stage legs of the IRB Sevens World Series.

Kenya, Portugal and Russia are regular IRB Sevens series competitors. Kenya host the successful Safari Sevens in Nairobi, while Russia will host the final of the IRB supported FIRA-AER European Sevens Series in July. The Netherlands currently compete on the FIRA-AER European Sevens Series circuit.

IRB Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 will be the first to include a women's competition that will take place alongside the men's event. The overall tournament will consist of 24 men's and 16 women's teams.

"The IRB is very excited by the concept of two Rugby World Cup Sevens tournaments - the men's and for the first time ever a women's tournament - taking place side-by-side in the same host city."

"We believe this further reinforces Rugby Sevens' strong case for introduction into the Olympic Games sporting programme. Especially when you consider the increasing number of countries playing Sevens, the rapid global growth in women's Rugby and the burgeoning attendance and broadcast figures," said Dr Millar.

Tender documents will be sent to each of the Unions outlining the hosting criteria for Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009. The Unions will have until September 29 to confirm their intention to tender. The IRB Council will select the Host Union for Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 at its April 2007 meeting.