Rugby Union in The Olympics: Will It Work?

The International Olympic Committee executive have voted to include Rugby Sevens in the 2016 Summer Olympics. Will it be a success?

For those who have never seen a game of Sevens Rugby, it's 7-a-side, seven minutes per half (10 in finals), non-stop action.

Which is the appeal of the sport to the IOC. The skill level of Sevens as opposed to the 15-a-side game is lower, which means more nations are able to challenge for glory. Just look at the results of the Sevens World Cup played in Dubai to highlight this fact.

South Africa and New Zealand, who are ranked Nos. 1 and 2 in the 15-a-side game, were both eliminated in the Cup Quarter Finals. Third ranked Australia failed to make it that far.
The tournament was won by eighth-ranked Wales, who beat sixth-ranked Argentina. And Kenya, ranked a lowly 40 in the 15-a-side game, lost to Argentina in the Semi Finals. Given another seven years to prepare, who knows who might be able to challenge?

The IOC would also be mindful of the numbers watching and attending Sevens. If we use the 2006 Commonwealth Games as an example, the 50,000 seat stadium used for Sevens was packed for both days of competition, a crowd which is there as much to party as to watch some A-Class sport. The atmosphere of a Sevens Crowd is unique, and embodies the spirit of the Olympics, many nations coming together as one for a celebration of sport.

The International Rugby Board also see the inclusion of Sevens Rugby as a way to grow the game internationally. Which makes sense, because as the saying doesn't go, if you win it, they will come. We see it here in Australia with Football. Ever since qualification for the 2006 World Cup, football has exploded in this country. The IRB wants to do the same with Rugby.

Rugby Sevens at the Olympics will work. Providing that as many nations as possible are able to contend for that much revered Gold Medal. This should be the IRB's aim between now and 2016. Get into those "minnow" nations, and ensure that they can compete with the big boys. That way, they can ensure that Sevens rugby remains an Olympic sport for years to come. Which is an ideal result for all concerned.