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With Sevens up for possible inclusion into the 2016 Olympics, the questions abound about what this will mean for the game of rugby. Will it help or hinder its popularity?
For years, Sevens has been a stepping stone for players seeking international experience. But only a handful of players have committed to the seven-a-side version completely.
Fijian legend Waisale Serevi is probably the most notable of these players and coaches.
I could see the number of specialist Sevens players increasing if it becomes an Olympics sport, but it will always be a step and never the final destination for the aspiring rugby player.
However, as an American, I feel Sevens is the best way to showcase the talent and potential that we have to offer world rugby.
The USA Eagles fifteen’s side is simply not going give our players a good chance of earning a professional contract. This is because we don’t play enough high calibre competition.
USA wing Takudzwa Ngwenya got a contract based on his play against South Africa in the 2007 RWC. I have to think that Todd Clever’s intercept that lead to the Ngwenya try also lead to him getting a contract in South Africa.
One game, two future professionals.
The USA Eagles have played the Springboks a total of three times. Contrast that with Sevens: thirteen plus.
Sevens provides more opportunities for US players against the world’s best rugby nations. For the United States, as a ‘developing nation,’ rugby in the Olympics is a good thing, period.
Let me introduce you to the future of American rugby:
Leonard Peters is an ex-NFL player who decided to pick up Sevens on the advice of a friend.
Peters, who stands 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) and weights 215 lb (98 kg), was born in American Samoa and grew up in Hawaii. He was familiar with rugby from his youth and gave it a try after getting cut by the Chicago Bears. Peters was selected to the USA Sevens team that will compete at the World Games in Kaohsiung, largely because of his athletic potential.
This is what many have labeled as a ‘crossover athlete.’
These are athletes that played others sports in college, but have turned or returned to rugby. The number of these athletes will increase as youth rugby continues to grow.
Players will come back to the sport after college when the NFL isn’t an option.
What does this have to do with Sevens?
Well, guys like Leonard Peters are going to turn heads with their athleticism because Sevens is the perfect game for them.
The skills required for Sevens are different from those in fifteens, but they give you a clue of a person’s potential. It serves the purpose of introducing people to rugby, but doesn’t overwhelm you with all of the subtleties of the game.
If Peters gets a chance, watch him. He will look raw, but that is the beauty of Sevens.
My hope is that he might get a look at fifteens. Obviously not a professional look, but with a chance with a big club here in the States. Given time, who knows?
The thing is, Sevens planted the seed, just like it will with everyone else out there.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.