International coaches from around the world have joined in welcoming the IRB's announcement that Tokyo will host round 7 of the HSBC Sevens World Series.

John Kirwan, coach of Japan 15-a-side national team & HSBC Rugby Ambassador
 
“This is terrific news for the growing number of rugby fans in Japan and an exciting opportunity for the Japan Rugby Football Union to further grow awareness and interest in the sport as we build towards hosting Rugby World Cup 2019.
 
"Sevens is a fantastic tool to introduce both players and spectators to the sport, and I am confident the HSBC Sevens World Series will prove popular and successful here in Tokyo next season.”
 
Gordon Tietjens, New Zealand Sevens coach, nine-time World Series winner
 
“It is fantastic to hear that Japan has been added to the calendar for next World Series,  they are a very proud rugby nation and have been very competitive in the tournaments they have been involved in.
 
“The tournament stop is sure to add to the growth of the game in the region especially ahead of Sevens inclusion in the Olympics in 2016 and Japan hosting Rugby World Cup in 2019 , and it also adds another great cultural experience to the Series.”

What do you make of the new Round in Tokyo? >>
 
Ben Ryan, England Sevens coach
 
"Tokyo's one of my favourite cities - I love it and it's an amazing place. The blend of technology, style, culture and history makes it such a fascinating city to visit. It will be a unique destination for the HSBC Sevens World Series to visit and great for the global game.
 
"Four years ago if you'd have said we'd be going to the Olympics, we'd have new tournaments in Tokyo and Las Vegas, full-time sevens players, TV coverage rocketing, 100,000 fans at Twickenham, you probably wouldn't have believed it.
 
"Who knows what will happen in the next four years before the sport makes its Olympic debut at Rio in 2016.
 
"Sevens is expanding at an astonishing rate and a new tournament in one of the world's greatest cities underlines that."

Michael O’Connor, Australian Sevens coach
 
“The Japanese love their Rugby and the decision to add Japan to the HSBC Sevens World Series is great news.
 
“The decision will help to grow enthusiasm for Rugby in Japan in the build up to them hosting the 2019 Rugby World Cup as well as help to continue to grow the game of Rugby Sevens in the Asian market.
 
“With the readmission of Rugby Sevens to the Olympic Games in 2016 adding a second Asian stop on the HSBC Sevens World Series circuit will help to expand the games standing on the Global scene.”
 
Al Caravelli, USA Sevens coach
 
"It’s wonderful that a second country in Asia is awarded a competition. Hong Kong has been and continues to be one of the best tournaments in the Series and by the inclusion of Japan it shows the series continues to grow in importance by adding tournaments.
 
"Japan will be a great host because they have a love for sport and a loyal fan base. It is also fantastic for Japan and the people of Tokyo after what the country has endured in recent times.
 
"They have also have had good news with the Nadeshiko (Japan women’s soccer team) winning their World Cup and I think with the strength of rugby there the country will rally behind the Sevens team."