IRB tactics key in success of Rugby Sevens Olympics vote

From James Toney, Sportsbeat

RUGBY'S decision to scrap its money-spinning Sevens World Cup, in deference to the Olympic Games, played a key role in their successful bid to be included at the 2016 Games in Rio.

NEW ERA: The United States were the last Olympic rugby champions - winning gold at the 1924 Olympics in Antwerp. The sport returns at Rio 2016

Sevens will make its debut in seven years time after a full vote of the International Olympic Committee gave the sport a ringing endorsement - 81 voting in favour and just eight against.

The International Rugby Board have run a disciplined lobbying campaign after failing to earn a place at the 2012 Olympics four years ago.

But their decision to scrap one of the most prized events in their schedule underlined the seriousness of their intent, according to senior IOC members.

IRB President Bernard Lapasset and chief executive Mike Miller have invested much capital in the bid to bring Sevens into the Olympic fold.

And they were joined at the IOC Session in Copenhagen by Argentina's Agustin Pichot and former All Black Jonah Lomu.

In addition, Kenya captain Humphrey Kayange and Cheryl Soon, captain of the Australia team that won the Women's Rugby World Cup Sevens in 2009, underlined IRB claims that their sport was both international and inclusive.

"We are a modern, youthful and skilful sport that can be easily and cost-effectively to the Olympic programme," said Miller.

"We are already a part of other multi-sport events, like the Commonwealth Games.

"The sevens format is made for television and sponsors and is loved by fans and players alike."

Twelve men's and women's teams will compete at Rio 2016, with a maximum 144 athletes competing.

Rio 2016 officials are already investigating staging the first-ever sevens tournament at the 90,000 capacity Estádio do Maracanã, which will also host the ceremonies and football finals.

Meanwhile, Miller insisted Great Britain would be a key team to the first-ever Olympic sevens tournament.

Some IOC members sought clarification that the ‘home of rugby' would be a part of the Olympic programme, in the light of the political problems surrounding the involvement of a Great Britain football team at London 2012.

"We have already had discussions with the national unions in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland," he said.

"There is a precedent in rugby with the British and Irish Lions, which tours the southern hemisphere nations every four years.

"All four unions are fully behind the Olympic concept, they've all said they would be delighted to work together for a Great Britain team.

"Athletes in Ireland would have to choose whether they were part of the Great Britain team or the Republic of Ireland team. However, we have spoken with the Irish Rugby Football Union and they are very comfortable with this.”

Meanwhile, Lapasset hailed the decision as a 'historic moment' and praised rugby's 'united effort' at gaining Olympic acceptance.

 

“We are excited and honoured to be joining the Olympic Games and I would like to thank the IOC members for believing in our Olympic vision and our values and recognising that rugby sevens is a perfect fit for the Olympic Games," he said.

“The Olympic Games will be the pinnacle of the sport for all our athletes and the rugby family. The best men’s and women’s players in the world are excited to be able to showcase their talent on the world’s greatest sporting stage.”