The International Rugby Board (IRB) has announced another year of record TV broadcast figures for the popular IRB Sevens World Series. The 2005/06 Series, won for the first time by 2005 World Cup and World Games Champions Fiji, experienced 1147 hours of airtime over the eight tournaments, representing a massive 85 percent increase on the previous year.The 2005/06 series comprised tournaments in Dubai, George (South Africa), Wellington (New Zealand), Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Singapore, Paris and London, and was televised by 32 international broadcasters (up 3 from 2004/05), in 11 different languages, reached 187 million homes (up an impressive 27 million from 2004/05), in 136 countries (up 3 from 2004/05), with a potential audience reach of over 475 million (up 25 million from 2004/05). Live coverage more than doubled with 530 hours of action being broadcast.'The continued strong growth in broadcast figures for the IRB Sevens World Series clearly reflects the increasing popularity of Rugby Sevens around the globe,' said International Rugby Board Chairman, Dr. Syd Millar. 'With its unique blend of world class players, global representation, international venues and competitive format, the Sevens World Series is now firmly established as a key event on the world sporting calendar for broadcasters.' 'Interest in Rugby Sevens has never been greater. The 2005 Rugby World Cup Sevens held in Hong Kong witnessed a capacity three-day crowd of 120,000 supporters, while 50,000 fans attended the final day of the Rugby Sevens competition at this year's Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. In the next few weeks we will unveil plans for the Series moving forward including the venues and dates for the eight tournaments in 2006/07.''The IRB Sevens World Series is central to Rugby Sevens' appeal. Attendance figures at each venue are increasing year-on-year, while the level of competition continues to set new standards. The 2005/06 series was the most competitive to date, producing a thrilling climax. This year across the eight series tournaments a record 37 nations competed, highlighting the importance of Rugby Sevens in the role of player development.''The IRB believes the healthy attendance and broadcasting figures, allied to the ever increasing number of participating nations and competitiveness of the IRB Sevens World Series, continue to press Rugby Sevens' strong case for introduction into the Olympic Games sporting program,' added Dr. Millar.