International Rugby Board Chairman Bernard Lapasset has announced yesterday that Russia will stage the 2013 Rugby World Cup sevens.

Lapasset made the announcement at the annual IRB Council meeting in London.

Three years after the World Cup in Russia, sevens will feature at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janiero.

Lapasset said council members were extremely impressed with the Rugby Union of Russia bid, they are sure that Moscow will host a special tournament for the 24 men's and 16 women's teams and the thousands of visiting fans from all around the world.

He added that Moscow has an exceptional history of delivering major international sports events, and rugby is riding a wave of development in Russia thanks to the Olympic Games decision and their historic qualification for Rugby World Cup 2011.

The event will be the sixth World Cup sevens tournament, with Wales current champions after an unexpected triumph in Dubai last year.