[1][3] The event was the third on the World Rugby Sevens Series circuit and is generally held in late January or early February.

Wellington first hosted a tournament in 2000 as part of the inaugural Sevens World Series.

[4] The tournament built a reputation for a party atmosphere, with a large proportion of attendees choosing to wear fancy dress.

[4] Host team New Zealand dominated the sevens competition in Wellington, winning just over half of all the tournaments held.

[7] Discussion was also begun on alternating the host location of the tournament between Hamilton and Suva, in Fiji, following the 2020 edition.