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NEW PLYMOUTH, New Zealand (AP) — Russia will host the Rugby World Cup Sevens in 2013, a world championship for the condensed rugby format just a year out from its Olympic debut.

The Rugby Union of Russia and the International Rugby Union made the announcement Thursday ahead of Russia's first-ever match in the Rugby World Cup, a 20-nation tournament for the traditional 15-a-side game, against the United States.

Sevens rugby will be on the Olympic program for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2014.

The 2013 Russian tournament will feature the best men's and women's sides in the world, the IRB said. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Zhukov, in New Zealand for Thursday's match, said "Russians are taking to rugby like our bears to honey."

"The secret is out, there is a revolution taking place in Russian rugby ... a sport that suits the Russian character," he added.

Dates for the tournament in Moscow, which will not be part of the IRB Sevens World Series that year, were not announced.

The IRB said the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 in Dubai set record attendance and broadcast figures. The event was the first to incorporate a 16-team women's competition running alongside a 24-team men's competition.

Zhukov pledged government support for Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013.

"The IRB has led the way in displaying great trust in our vast potential," Zhukov said in a statement. "It has recognized our progress.

IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset said he is expecting Moscow to host an exceptional event.

"The IRB is committed to growing the game in emerging and new territories and the awarding of Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013 to Moscow underscores our commitment to this process," Lapasset said.