Scotland to stay in Sevens World Series despite losing host status

Scotland are currently ranked seventh in the IRB World Series Standings

Scotland will continue to compete in the Sevens World Series despite losing their status as a host on the circuit.

France will take over as one of the nine host nations, as BBC Scotland reported in 2014, although the switch has not yet been formally announced.

As a result, Scottish Rugby had said there would be a "tough decision" regarding their commitment.

But a board meeting has "unanimously" backed the decision to carry on with their support.

"The positive recent results by the team, heritage of the game in Scotland and incentive of contributing to a future Team GB Olympic squad means Scottish Rugby will continue to support a national team," read a statement.

"The current squad and management have been informed of this decision.

"Discussions will take place with the team and management to plan the structure of the programme for next season."

Scottish Rugby director Dominic McKay recently told BBC Scotland the decision to drop Glasgow in favour of Paris would have "disappointing consequences for revenue streams", prompting fears of a part-time future for the Scotland Sevens team.

Scotland has hosted a leg of the event for eight years, initially at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh and then at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow.

The 2014-15 season, which ends in London this weekend, also doubles as Olympic qualifying, with the top four-ranked sides able to secure their places for Rio next year.

Scotland are currently ranked seventh, their best position in 15 years of the competition.