The IRB have announced the pools and match schedule for the opening round of the HSBC Sevens World Series, the Gold Coast Sevens.

In just over one month, the tournament will be staged for a third time at Skilled Park on the Gold Coast, where hosts Australia have been drawn to face Samoa, Argentina and Scotland in pool play on day one on Saturday 12 October. Australia will be attempting to win a home Sevens title for the first time since 2002 in Brisbane.

As defending HSBC Sevens World Series champions, New Zealand head Pool A in Australia and will face Kenya, USA and regional qualifiers Tonga, who are the only non-core team.

Last season's runners-up South Africa line up top of Pool B and face matches against a triumvirate of European challengers, England, France and Spain.

Defending Gold Coast champions Fiji head Pool C and face matches against Wales, Canada and Portugal.

As the fourth-ranked team in 2012/13, the Samoans are the top seed in Pool D and face hosts Australia, Argentina and Scotland.

The IRB's new General Manager for Rugby Sevens Avan Lee who was present at the draw in London believes that the Gold Coast event marks the start of the three most important seasons for the sport.

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