The IRB has joined Scottish Rugby in announcing the teams to compete in the Emirates Airline Glasgow Sevens, the eighth and penultimate round of the HSBC Sevens World Series on 5-6 May 2012.
 
Spain, Portugal, Zimbabwe and Russia will join the 12 current core teams who compete at every round of the Series, which will be played in Scotland’s biggest city for the first time.

Spain and Portugal have double reason to celebrate after they confirmed their status along with Canada as core teams for next year’s Series and so will return to Glasgow in 2013.

“We are really happy to have the opportunity to participate in the Emirates Airline Glasgow 7s. We hope this will be the forerunner for future events leading up to the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and we are particularly looking forward to a wonderful turnout from the Glasgow people," said Keith Chapman, Team Manager for Spain Sevens.

Also on hand to help announce the invitational teams for the Emirates Airline Glasgow 7s was Glasgow Warriors flanker, and former Scotland 7s player, Chris Fusaro. 

“Competing in the HSBC Sevens World Series is an incredible experience for any player and for these nations, it will be a fabulous experience," he said.

“I played for Scotland 7s at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi and even since then, the game of Sevens has really grown and there’s a great buzz about the game. We have the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in a couple of years and after that, Sevens is going to be an Olympic sport.

“I’m really excited about seeing what sort of show Glasgow can put on in May, particularly as it’s being held at what will be the Warriors home ground from next season."

IRB Sevens Manager, Beth Coalter, said: "Interest in the World Series has reached new heights this year, and most recently after the giant spectacle we witnessed in Hong Kong. Two of the teams set to play in Glasgow, Spain and Portugal, won core team status for the 2012/13 Series in Hong Kong so they will already be building towards that, while the other two only narrowly missed out and will definitely have a point to prove.

"Things are also extremely tight at the top of the HSBC Sevens World Series and it all points to a dramatic climax in Europe, starting in Glasgow and finishing at Twickenham."

Tickets - special offer!

As excitement builds, hosts the SRU have announced special pricing for students across Glasgow and the whole of Scotland, with a ticket offer giving access to a day at the Sevens for only £7.50.

Tickets for the Emirates Airline Glasgow 7s are selling fast and with Scotstoun Stadium filling up, fans are being encouraged to snap up their tickets early. All information about tickets can be found at www.glasgow7s.com