However, the most famous event, the Hong Kong Sevens, was played over three days, largely because it involves 24 teams instead of the usual 16.

[1] On 13 April 2011, the Australian and South African unions (ARU and SARU, respectively) both announced that their countries' legs of the series would move to new sites effective this season.

[2][3] The SARU announced that Port Elizabeth would become the new host of the South Africa leg, replacing George.

It involved eight teams—Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, England, South Africa, Spain, and the USA—and the semifinals and final were held on the main pitch at The Sevens.

This was part of a plan to launch a full IRB International Women's Sevens Series for 2012–13.

Due to its place as the sport's most prestigious annual event, the Hong Kong tournament had 24 teams.

[9] The Hong Kong Sevens used a similar structure, though adjusted for the larger number of teams involved.

Light blue line on the left indicates a core team eligible to participate in all events of the series.