2008–09 IRB Sevens World Series normal 16 teams) was spread out over a three-day period. The series' tournaments are identical to 2007–2008 and span the globe: The 2009 Rugby World Cup Sevens was not a part of the 2008-09 series. Unlike the 2005 edition held in Hong Kong, the 2009 edition did not replace one of the 2008-09 series events. The World Cup was held in Dubai from March 5–7, 2009 and won by Wales. Prior to the season, the IRB announced the 12 "core teams" that would receive guaranteed berths in each event in the 2008–09 series: The one new core team was the
History of rugby union matches between France and Wales History of rugby union matches between France and Wales France and Wales have played each other at rugby union since 1908. A total of 96 matches have been played, with Wales winning 49 times, France winning 44 times and 3 matches drawn. The early years of the fixture were dominated by Wales, who won 18 of the first 19 matches up to the point when France were expelled from the Five Nations Championship after the 1931 tournament. Since the competition resumed in 1947 results have slightly favoured France who have won 44 of the 77 matches played, including 28 of