The event, featuring 24 men's international teams and which will include a 16-team women's tournament for the first time, will be screened in 140 countries by 25 international broadcasters.

 

There will be 380 hours of live, delayed and highlights coverage of the event due to be held March 5-7.

 

Bernard Lapasset, the president of the International Rugby Board (IRB), said: “Rugby Sevens continues to be a hit with television broadcasters around the world.

 

"Its unique blend of explosive action, world-class players and highly-competitive format packaged in matches of 14 minutes, has proven successful in reaching out to new young audiences, sponsors and broadcasters.

 

"Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 looks set to raise the bar once more.

 

“These record broadcast figures mean that more people than ever before will have the opportunity to experience Rugby Sevens at its thrilling and spectacular best, furthering the promotion of sevens to the world sporting community as the IRB reaches out for the inclusion of rugby sevens in the Olympic Games.”

 

The previous television broadcast record was set at the 2005 tournament in Hong Kong where athe tournament was broadcast to 300 million homes worldwide, in 125 countries through 20 international broadcasters.