Seven's Europe Series - Russia (EU) 2021/22

Seven's Europe Series is a colloquial reference to the Rugby Europe Sevens Championship Series, the premier men's rugby sevens circuit in Europe organised by Rugby Europe. Founded in 2002 as the European Sevens Championship, the tournament has evolved significantly over two decades. The structure shifted from a single annual event to a multi-leg format in 2011, initially branded as the Sevens Grand Prix Series before adopting its current title in 2021. The championship sits at the top tier of the European rugby sevens pyramid, positioned above the Sevens Trophy and the various Conferences. Each season typically comprises two legs, where teams compete in pool play followed by knockout stages, including quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals. The overall series winner is determined by cumulative points across these events. A formal promotion and relegation system ensures movement between the Championship Series, the Trophy, and the lower conferences. Portugal holds the record for success in the competition, having secured eight titles between 2002 and 2011. More recently, France claimed the championship in both 2024 and 2026. The event has seen various host nations, including Germany for the inaugural edition in Heidelberg. Russia has also frequently hosted matches in cities such as Moscow in 2005, 2016, 2017, and 2021. However, the nation was suspended from all Rugby Europe competitions in March 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine. The participating teams include national sides from Georgia, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, and Portugal. The series remains distinct from the Rugby Europe Sevens Trophy, which operates as the second division with its own pathway to promotion. The competition continues to serve as the primary platform for elite men's rugby sevens in the region, determining the strongest teams through a rigorous point-based system across multiple venues.