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 England and Wales Wales 329. In other test matches, England have played Wales on six occasions; England winning five, Wales one with no matches drawn. In these games, England have scored 164 points, and Wales 65. Overall, England and Wales have played 131 times, having drawn 12 times: History of rugby union matches between England and Wales England and Wales have played each other at rugby union since 1881. A total of 131 matches have been played, with England having won 62 times, Wales having won 57 times and 12 matches having been drawn. There is a considerable rivalry between the sides due