That’s right, Rugby is going to be in the Olympics from 2016.  Great news in my opinion!

I’ve already read some detractors going on about ‘it’s not real rugby’ and questioning sevens value to the 15 aside game, but you know what – I don’t care!

Yes I agree, I think 7′s has little to offer the main version of the game, but in my mind that is not teh be all and end all.  Sevens is a great spectacle in it’s own right.  i went to the Twickenham sevens this year and had a great time.  Beer, food, loads of rugby and supporting nations that you would never normally see on a rugby pitch.

Plus let’s remember that we are world champions of sevens here in Wales!

Olympic Sevens as a Springboard

Sevens in the Olympics may also act as a pringboard for those countries that are not really considered rugby powerhouses but who do target sporting success.  Who is to say that Olympic success won’t motivate the USA, who’s public may well find they enjoy it and pick it up themselves, or China who are always desperate for medals.

It also helps other countries who usually struggle for Olympic medals.  Do Samoa, Fiji, or Argentina win many medals?  I don’t have stats in front of me but I am willing to bet not – yet they would have every chance of winning Olympic medals.

Sevens is a rapidly growing sport all around the world.  viewing figures are on the rise, more and more countries are taking part and now it has led to us having rugby in the Olympics.  As far as I am concerned this is one of the best rugby related news stories I have heard in a long time.  Well done IoC on makign the decision (and adding golf, another sport I love).  I can’t wait for 2016 – it’s just a shame it wasn’t in time for rugby to be in the 2012 London Olympics.

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