I am ambivalent about the long term effect of Sevens getting Olympic recognition. It might be great, but an equally likely outcome could be that Government / AOC funding will specifically preclude exclusionary practices such as requiring ARU registration. And were the game to become the Rugby version of T20 with loads of cash splashing around, why on earth would it wish to remained shackled to the financial millstone of Fifteens? I think such an outcome would see the sport rapidly establish it’s own governing bodies and competitions, managing the cash to it’s own best benefit. I’m sure it wouln’t be lost on the players either – if T20 is the model, I note in todays paper that Brett Lee is thinking he’ll retire from Test cricket but will still “definitely be playing international cricket”.

NRL player’s are more than welcome but they must be registered under the ARU and play the game. So basically they’d have to convert without expecting the huge paypackets.

In Russia the govt is moving to install Rugby as an official schools sport so Olympic status is a real boon for the game internationally. The was an interview with the head of the Chinese Rugby Football Union who mentioned that prior to the decision the Union had talks with the Chinese govt in regards to the what if scenario. He was told that the game would be taken under the Ministry of Sport umbrella and ‘aggresively’ expanded into all 31 province’s in the country. So it’s definitely time we took the format seriously as the landscape of World Rugby could be in for some significant changes in the future. A country like the USA now has access to the necessary funds not only to run the game on a national scale but rapidly expand the player base meaning more athletes and attention.

I don’t see 7s as a different sport more a complimentary one. The perfect development tool. And a short glimpse into the future of Rugby possibly. At the junior level 7s is perfect in getting kids into the game. It’s quick, open and fun. And the best thing is its teaches the necessary skills and understanding for anyone to play the 15 man game. As for not being able to make the transition. Matt Giteau started in 7s as did James O’Connor. Next season we will likely see more of Richard Kingi and Luke Morahan. 7s is the perfect development told for backs and loose forwards to make the jump. Just look at New Zealand, there is a long list of those you have. I don’t agree with the open invite to all. If you are going to play Rugby 7s you must be a Rugby player. Afterall it was the IRB that did the hard yards and it should be Rugby and Rugby alone to reap the benefits. If those from other codes wish to compete the answer is simple. Play Rugby.

I agree with you on the the opportunity 7s presents Rugby in this country. I have alaqways believ ed it was the perfect tool to really grow the game in Australia. The issue has always been that until now the ARU have largely dismissed its importance in this role. Now with the IOC ratifying the sport hopefully it will be taken more seriously. If the ARU has anyone with any vision beyond Super Rugby they will already be working on getting 7s into the school systems. Rugby has a product that could rival any of the other codes development programs, and the beauty of it is it takes no refinement as it has existed for more than 100 years. All we need to do now is take it seriously. And for all those who doubt its ability to attract new player’s and fans to the 15 man game. Three examples Kenya, Portugal and Tunisia.That’s only three of many.

Some good players have started in 7s I guess, getting their exposure to go on and get contracts, however some never do.

In Commonwealth games, we have tried to have the regular Wallaby stars play, and we have never gone any good, except maybe Kuala Lumpur, when Campo played. I think we came third from memory.

Last time, we had Latham, Lote, and I think Rogers (maybe). None made the difference, in fact they possibly hindered the regular team by not having the regular combinations within the Aus 7s team.

I like your idea for a viewing prospect, but again, as far as 7s go, it won’t help us win too many 7s games.

Agreed they should move the Australian leg of the World 7s from Adelaide, where it is just a bone to the last major state not to really have any rugby, to a major city where it can be used as a show case. I had been thinking of writing an article on that very issue over recent days (must have been the email from the ARU I got pushing the 2010 Adelaide 7s, and me thinking “But it’s in Adelaide!!!”). Sydney, melbourne or Brisbane would have more local support, draw more attention to rugby, and get more visitors using it as an excuse to visit.