Scotland have been drawn alongside IRB Sevens World Series leaders South Africa, plus Canada and Japan in Pool C for the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai in March.

Defending men’s champions Fiji will meet France, USA and Georgia in Pool B as they attempt to become the first side to successfully defend the Melrose Cup following their success in Hong Kong four years ago.

New Zealand, winners in 2001, are joined in Pool A by Tonga, hosts Arabian Gulf and Italy.

Despite a tough draw for Scotland, coach Stephen Gemmell takes confidence from the fact that his side will play two of their three pool opponents in the remaining World Series tournaments as the build-up to the World Cup gathers pace.
 
“We’ve got two of our three pool teams, South Africa and Japan, over the next two tournaments in the World Series,” he said, “and having the draw in advance of these tournaments will certainly help in our preparations for the World Cup.”
 
Although Stephen recognises the challenge posed by the draw, he remains positive about Scotland’s chances.
 
“There’s no easy Pool at the World Cup. As for our draw, we’ve got South Africa once again who are flying this year. And despite Canada not being a core team anymore, they have been before and have always performed well. Japan are another exciting team that are well suited to playing rugby sevens.”
 
“In the end, it’s a World Cup and we’re all looking forward to performing on this stage with confidence in our ability based on our results over the last two seasons where we have beaten some of the best teams in the world.”

The full draw is as follows: 

Pool A: New Zealand, Tonga, Arabian Gulf, Italy

Pool B: Fiji, France, USA, George

Pool C: South Africa, Scotland, Canada, Japan

Pool D: Samoa, Australia, Portugal, Ireland

Pool E:  England, Kenya, Tunisia, Hong Kong

Pool F: Argentina, Wales, Zimbabwe, Uruguay

The six pool winners and two best runners-p will progress to the Melrose Cup quarter finals. The other four runners-up and four best sides that finish third in their pool will contest the Plate, and the remaining sides will contest the Bowl.

The match schedule will be announced shortly.