Comments on: Olympic status already paying dividends http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/12/20/rugby%e2%80%99s-olympic-status-already-paying-dividends/ Your Sports Opinion Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:35:12 +0000 hourly 1 By: Siva Samoa http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/12/20/rugby%e2%80%99s-olympic-status-already-paying-dividends/comment-page-2/#comment-272393 Siva Samoa Wed, 23 Dec 2009 22:35:57 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=26418#comment-272393 Record numbers turn on to Rugby Sevens (IRB.COM) Wednesday 23 December 2009 PrintEmail Samoa's Mikaele Pesamino outstrips New Zealand's defence in South AfricaAfter just two events of the 2009/10 IRB Sevens World Series, early indications are that Rugby Sevens has gained further ground in the eyes of international broadcasters. In October, the IOC Session in Copenhagen voted Rugby Sevens into the Olympic Games in 2016 and 2020, with the sport set to make its much-anticipated debut in Rio. Since then, the sport has exploded in popularity and interest and the opening two legs in Dubai and South Africa suggest that it will enjoy new highs both in attendance and in television viewership. Over the course of the current season, figures for live and as-live broadcasting have far outstripped the record numbers recorded for the two events in 2008. Figures released by the IRB's broadcast management and distribution partner, Pro-Active Television, indicate that in Dubai the total number of live television hours rose from 156.5 to 188 - a 20% increase. For the second event in George, South Africa, the total number of live televised hours rocketed by 32%, from 115.5 last year to 152 hours. This was largely down to the increased appetite from new broadcasters taking the live pictures in the wake of the Olympic Games decision and the global success of Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009. "Rugby Sevens continues to go from strength to strength and now that it has received the ultimate seal of approval from the IOC, the sky is the limit. Its winning formula of non-stop, competitive action, world class athletes and a festival atmosphere has proven a major hit again so far this season with broadcasters," said IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset. "A lot of the best action delivered so far has come from teams representing exciting emerging markets like USA, Russia and Kenya, who are all already more than a match for the more traditional Rugby nations like New Zealand, South Africa, England and Australia. That, in turn, means that the sport is very attractive across the board." Another major success story for the sport has been the addition of ESPN 360 as one of those new live broadcasters, taking the pictures to over 50 million houses in the USA. The IRB Sevens World Series comprises eight tournaments in Dubai, South Africa (George), New Zealand (Wellington), the USA (Las Vegas), Australia (Adelaide), Hong Kong, England (London) and Scotland (Edinburgh). http://www.irb.com/irbsevens/news/newsid=2035318.html Record numbers turn on to Rugby Sevens
(IRB.COM) Wednesday 23 December 2009

PrintEmail
Samoa’s Mikaele Pesamino outstrips New Zealand’s defence in South AfricaAfter just two events of the 2009/10 IRB Sevens World Series, early indications are that Rugby Sevens has gained further ground in the eyes of international broadcasters.

In October, the IOC Session in Copenhagen voted Rugby Sevens into the Olympic Games in 2016 and 2020, with the sport set to make its much-anticipated debut in Rio.

Since then, the sport has exploded in popularity and interest and the opening two legs in Dubai and South Africa suggest that it will enjoy new highs both in attendance and in television viewership. Over the course of the current season, figures for live and as-live broadcasting have far outstripped the record numbers recorded for the two events in 2008.

Figures released by the IRB’s broadcast management and distribution partner, Pro-Active Television, indicate that in Dubai the total number of live television hours rose from 156.5 to 188 – a 20% increase.

For the second event in George, South Africa, the total number of live televised hours rocketed by 32%, from 115.5 last year to 152 hours.

This was largely down to the increased appetite from new broadcasters taking the live pictures in the wake of the Olympic Games decision and the global success of Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009.

“Rugby Sevens continues to go from strength to strength and now that it has received the ultimate seal of approval from the IOC, the sky is the limit. Its winning formula of non-stop, competitive action, world class athletes and a festival atmosphere has proven a major hit again so far this season with broadcasters,” said IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset.

“A lot of the best action delivered so far has come from teams representing exciting emerging markets like USA, Russia and Kenya, who are all already more than a match for the more traditional Rugby nations like New Zealand, South Africa, England and Australia. That, in turn, means that the sport is very attractive across the board.”

Another major success story for the sport has been the addition of ESPN 360 as one of those new live broadcasters, taking the pictures to over 50 million houses in the USA.

The IRB Sevens World Series comprises eight tournaments in Dubai, South Africa (George), New Zealand (Wellington), the USA (Las Vegas), Australia (Adelaide), Hong Kong, England (London) and Scotland (Edinburgh).

http://www.irb.com/irbsevens/news/newsid=2035318.html

]]> By: Shahsan http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/12/20/rugby%e2%80%99s-olympic-status-already-paying-dividends/comment-page-2/#comment-272246 Shahsan Wed, 23 Dec 2009 07:27:56 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=26418#comment-272246 That's true, but the IRB have been trying to get into new markets, or trying to expand existsing small markets, with little progress. With the 7s, the Olympics will do much of the heavy lifting for us. The IRB can then go in where there is obvious scope. That’s true, but the IRB have been trying to get into new markets, or trying to expand existsing small markets, with little progress. With the 7s, the Olympics will do much of the heavy lifting for us. The IRB can then go in where there is obvious scope.

]]> By: AndyS http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/12/20/rugby%e2%80%99s-olympic-status-already-paying-dividends/comment-page-2/#comment-272237 AndyS Wed, 23 Dec 2009 07:02:50 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=26418#comment-272237 So we'd probably agree that it will come down to the IRB's ability to capitalise on the opportunity and translate interest in Sevens to involvement in Fifteens, particularly among those not suited to the short game. Here's hoping, but my personal opinion is that there will have to be some almighty amount of game lifting involved. So we’d probably agree that it will come down to the IRB’s ability to capitalise on the opportunity and translate interest in Sevens to involvement in Fifteens, particularly among those not suited to the short game. Here’s hoping, but my personal opinion is that there will have to be some almighty amount of game lifting involved.

]]> By: Shahsan http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/12/20/rugby%e2%80%99s-olympic-status-already-paying-dividends/comment-page-2/#comment-271802 Shahsan Tue, 22 Dec 2009 09:21:23 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=26418#comment-271802 Andy, we are going round in circles. Yes, of course the IRB has to capitalise but I'm arguing that 7s is a good way to get more countries interested in the game, countries that thus far, and despite the IRB's best efforts, have not shown much interest in rugby union. Yes, these non-traditional countries will still chase Olympic medals but the overflow ie the players who are slower, heavier, more massive, less suited to the 7s, will branch off into 15s and the IRB can then get to work on those. If enough of these guys go on to play for overseas clubs etc, their national team will one day be quite strong. eg Georgia In that way, 7s serves as the ideal entree. And even if they don't go on to be good 15s teams, there is nothing wrong with a vibrant 7s scene full of new countires playing the game. As for Fiji, I didn't say they weren't succcesful, but look at the records: NZ has done better overall, but Fiji keeps getting the reputation as "sevens kings" despite not having had a decent team since the 2005 World Cup-winning team. I think many Fijians are also tired of having this reputation foisted upon them when they want to be taken more seriously at 15s. Andy, we are going round in circles.
Yes, of course the IRB has to capitalise but I’m arguing that 7s is a good way to get more countries interested in the game, countries that thus far, and despite the IRB’s best efforts, have not shown much interest in rugby union.
Yes, these non-traditional countries will still chase Olympic medals but the overflow ie the players who are slower, heavier, more massive, less suited to the 7s, will branch off into 15s and the IRB can then get to work on those. If enough of these guys go on to play for overseas clubs etc, their national team will one day be quite strong. eg Georgia
In that way, 7s serves as the ideal entree. And even if they don’t go on to be good 15s teams, there is nothing wrong with a vibrant 7s scene full of new countires playing the game.
As for Fiji, I didn’t say they weren’t succcesful, but look at the records: NZ has done better overall, but Fiji keeps getting the reputation as “sevens kings” despite not having had a decent team since the 2005 World Cup-winning team.
I think many Fijians are also tired of having this reputation foisted upon them when they want to be taken more seriously at 15s.

]]> By: AndyS http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/12/20/rugby%e2%80%99s-olympic-status-already-paying-dividends/comment-page-2/#comment-271694 AndyS Tue, 22 Dec 2009 05:30:10 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=26418#comment-271694 Yes, you do need to know mauling, scrummaging and line-outs, and they doubtless spend loads of time on them. But once moving to 15s, how much do Giteau and the bulk of the rest of the 7s players use those skills? Rucking, sure, but the rest are forwards skills and, for all but a couple of backrowers, all that time and effort in training might as well have been fitness training for all the use it will be in 15s. What hasn't happened is the development of any tight 5 players, which can be a bit of a problem when running out with 14 other players. As for Fiji's record, my bad - I forgot that only NZ can ever be considered successful. Naturally Fiji being the only other team to have scored more than 1000 points over the last 10 years doesn't in any way relieve them of the mantle of mediocrity. But seriously, you've just made my point - success in 7s simply doesn't translate to 15s. You need money, competitions, continuity and the ability to train as a group, and if you've got those 7s form is meaningless (eg. most of the teams ranked above them). So my point in the second paragraph was that the IRB really ought to be looking at that rather than thinking 7s will sort it for them. They've not got a great record so far, as you've noted - the islanders still can't manage those things after how many years? So by focusing attention on 7s worldwide, all they may be doing is creating an abundance of big strong backs, all about the same size, ignoring frontrowers and locks in the development pathway as countries divert funding to the Olympic version of the game. Where that could lead, who knows. Yes, you do need to know mauling, scrummaging and line-outs, and they doubtless spend loads of time on them. But once moving to 15s, how much do Giteau and the bulk of the rest of the 7s players use those skills? Rucking, sure, but the rest are forwards skills and, for all but a couple of backrowers, all that time and effort in training might as well have been fitness training for all the use it will be in 15s. What hasn’t happened is the development of any tight 5 players, which can be a bit of a problem when running out with 14 other players.

As for Fiji’s record, my bad – I forgot that only NZ can ever be considered successful. Naturally Fiji being the only other team to have scored more than 1000 points over the last 10 years doesn’t in any way relieve them of the mantle of mediocrity. But seriously, you’ve just made my point – success in 7s simply doesn’t translate to 15s. You need money, competitions, continuity and the ability to train as a group, and if you’ve got those 7s form is meaningless (eg. most of the teams ranked above them). So my point in the second paragraph was that the IRB really ought to be looking at that rather than thinking 7s will sort it for them. They’ve not got a great record so far, as you’ve noted – the islanders still can’t manage those things after how many years? So by focusing attention on 7s worldwide, all they may be doing is creating an abundance of big strong backs, all about the same size, ignoring frontrowers and locks in the development pathway as countries divert funding to the Olympic version of the game. Where that could lead, who knows.

]]> By: Shahsan http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/12/20/rugby%e2%80%99s-olympic-status-already-paying-dividends/comment-page-2/#comment-271660 Shahsan Tue, 22 Dec 2009 04:24:21 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=26418#comment-271660 In 7s, you have to know the techniques on how to maul, ruck, scrummage and perform lineouts, just faster and more efficiently. You do it quick during a 7s game, but you would spend considerable time on them in training. Basic groundwork that expands easily when you play 15s, whether you are a back or a forward. Fiji is not "massively succesful" in 7s. It is more succesful than most but over the past 25 years you could argue that NZ has been better (RWC 7s wins aside; Fiji has 2, NZ 1), and they have translated that success on the circuit into 15s. Sooialo, Muliaina, Masoe, Jane, Massey were all mainstays of the NZ 7s teams of the past 10 years. Fiji doesnt do too badly in 15s when they get the chance to get everyone together and train a bit. They beat Wales in 2007 and almost pipped the eventual champions. Come on, you must realise that if Fiji, Samoa and Tonga had the money to contract players for whole seasons and get them togther to train all year long, one of them would more likely then not have won the World Cup already. The only reason they havent won and probably never will is because they all lack cold, hard cash. Their players are beholden to clubs, as the recent autumn tours and the 2007 world cup showed. But I digress. In 7s, you have to know the techniques on how to maul, ruck, scrummage and perform lineouts, just faster and more efficiently. You do it quick during a 7s game, but you would spend considerable time on them in training. Basic groundwork that expands easily when you play 15s, whether you are a back or a forward.
Fiji is not “massively succesful” in 7s. It is more succesful than most but over the past 25 years you could argue that NZ has been better (RWC 7s wins aside; Fiji has 2, NZ 1), and they have translated that success on the circuit into 15s. Sooialo, Muliaina, Masoe, Jane, Massey were all mainstays of the NZ 7s teams of the past 10 years.
Fiji doesnt do too badly in 15s when they get the chance to get everyone together and train a bit. They beat Wales in 2007 and almost pipped the eventual champions.
Come on, you must realise that if Fiji, Samoa and Tonga had the money to contract players for whole seasons and get them togther to train all year long, one of them would more likely then not have won the World Cup already.
The only reason they havent won and probably never will is because they all lack cold, hard cash. Their players are beholden to clubs, as the recent autumn tours and the 2007 world cup showed. But I digress.

]]> By: AndyS http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/12/20/rugby%e2%80%99s-olympic-status-already-paying-dividends/comment-page-2/#comment-271607 AndyS Tue, 22 Dec 2009 03:01:54 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=26418#comment-271607 Maybe, but more likely while those that made the 7s team go off and carve out an Olympic career, those that don't will do something entirely different. Empirically, a massively successful 7s team hasn't really tranlated to 15s for Fiji, has it? Certainly no lack of size, or speed, or passion, but... Not saying it can't be done, but if 7s in the Olympics is going to translate into 15s around the world the IRB is going to need some sort of development plan that they've never had to date. They may have money, but what the IRB certainly doesn't have is form. And if they drop the ball in countries without a strong grounding in the 15s game, it is going to represent an opportunity for others. And really, 7s as a training ground for mauling, scrummaging and line-outs? I think you are reaching - we'll just wheel those players out against England then! :) Maybe, but more likely while those that made the 7s team go off and carve out an Olympic career, those that don’t will do something entirely different. Empirically, a massively successful 7s team hasn’t really tranlated to 15s for Fiji, has it? Certainly no lack of size, or speed, or passion, but…

Not saying it can’t be done, but if 7s in the Olympics is going to translate into 15s around the world the IRB is going to need some sort of development plan that they’ve never had to date. They may have money, but what the IRB certainly doesn’t have is form. And if they drop the ball in countries without a strong grounding in the 15s game, it is going to represent an opportunity for others.

And really, 7s as a training ground for mauling, scrummaging and line-outs? I think you are reaching – we’ll just wheel those players out against England then! :)

]]> By: Working Class Rugger http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/12/20/rugby%e2%80%99s-olympic-status-already-paying-dividends/comment-page-2/#comment-271591 Working Class Rugger Tue, 22 Dec 2009 02:46:46 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=26418#comment-271591 the simple facts are that the growth of 7s particularly in non-traditional nations has directly corresponded with further growth in the 15 man game. Tunisia are a good example of this. They have been popping up on the World Series for several seasons and thanks to that have become competitive in the 15 man. Only recently they were pipped by Namibia in the RWC Africa Qualifier. They are a good chance of actually reaching the RWC through the final qualifying stage if the play positive Rugby. the simple facts are that the growth of 7s particularly in non-traditional nations has directly corresponded with further growth in the 15 man game. Tunisia are a good example of this. They have been popping up on the World Series for several seasons and thanks to that have become competitive in the 15 man. Only recently they were pipped by Namibia in the RWC Africa Qualifier. They are a good chance of actually reaching the RWC through the final qualifying stage if the play positive Rugby.

]]> By: Working Class Rugger http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/12/20/rugby%e2%80%99s-olympic-status-already-paying-dividends/comment-page-2/#comment-271586 Working Class Rugger Tue, 22 Dec 2009 02:40:28 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=26418#comment-271586 Joh4Canberra VVA Podomosvie are developing there stadium in Minino with the primary aim of gaining entrance to the Euro Challenge Cup. The Russian Govt is investing in a few more for teams in other regions. Joh4Canberra

VVA Podomosvie are developing there stadium in Minino with the primary aim of gaining entrance to the Euro Challenge Cup. The Russian Govt is investing in a few more for teams in other regions.

]]> By: Joh4Canberra http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/12/20/rugby%e2%80%99s-olympic-status-already-paying-dividends/comment-page-2/#comment-271578 Joh4Canberra Tue, 22 Dec 2009 02:12:35 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=26418#comment-271578 Is the sevens world cup a fixed or moveable feast? I know the Dubai one was played in March and in that climate you wouldn't want to be playing sevens at the height of summer (close to 50 degrees). and according to Wikipedia all of the previous instalments except 1992 (which was played in April) were played in March. So it would look like they are going to be held in March. If you could hold them in Summer in Russia there would be no problem with the weather. And unless it was an exceptionally cold and long winter then in late March your'e unlikely to have the problem of frozen pitches -- at least in western Russia (and somehow I don't thnk the Russians are planning on taking the sevens world cup to Siberia or the Russian Far East). April in Moscow is not exactly warm but the Winter has definitely passed and it would be fine for an international tournament. I think the main point about the heated pitches is that the Ruskies are getting serious about the game and want to be able to play/train all year round. I'm not sure they're doing it so that they can host an international tournament on a heated pitch in freezing conditions. Is the sevens world cup a fixed or moveable feast? I know the Dubai one was played in March and in that climate you wouldn’t want to be playing sevens at the height of summer (close to 50 degrees). and according to Wikipedia all of the previous instalments except 1992 (which was played in April) were played in March. So it would look like they are going to be held in March. If you could hold them in Summer in Russia there would be no problem with the weather. And unless it was an exceptionally cold and long winter then in late March your’e unlikely to have the problem of frozen pitches — at least in western Russia (and somehow I don’t thnk the Russians are planning on taking the sevens world cup to Siberia or the Russian Far East). April in Moscow is not exactly warm but the Winter has definitely passed and it would be fine for an international tournament.

I think the main point about the heated pitches is that the Ruskies are getting serious about the game and want to be able to play/train all year round. I’m not sure they’re doing it so that they can host an international tournament on a heated pitch in freezing conditions.

]]> By: Shahsan http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/12/20/rugby%e2%80%99s-olympic-status-already-paying-dividends/comment-page-2/#comment-271253 Shahsan Mon, 21 Dec 2009 11:25:45 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=26418#comment-271253 Well, i think King of the Gorganites' comment is valid: 7s is a very good way to get people interested in the 15s game, much more than 15s has managed to do so far. To the uninitiated, playing and watching 7s -- esp at the Olympics -- is a good entree to the main dish. That is how it is a good defence against league. And my reason for asking if you had ever watched a good tight 7s game is because you implied that you could not get tension in 7s. Well, i think King of the Gorganites’ comment is valid: 7s is a very good way to get people interested in the 15s game, much more than 15s has managed to do so far. To the uninitiated, playing and watching 7s — esp at the Olympics — is a good entree to the main dish. That is how it is a good defence against league.
And my reason for asking if you had ever watched a good tight 7s game is because you implied that you could not get tension in 7s.

]]> By: Dogs Of War http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/12/20/rugby%e2%80%99s-olympic-status-already-paying-dividends/comment-page-2/#comment-271247 Dogs Of War Mon, 21 Dec 2009 11:17:27 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=26418#comment-271247 Mate, I like Union, so don't tell me what I have or haven't watched. The comment is in regards to 7's being the game to take on League. How can you even compare the two, 7's you have to put multiple games on in the day to keep the crowds there, you very rarely bring up old Rugby 7's games in conversation saying what a cracker of a match, you may remember a good try though. The good tight 7's game, which is over rather quickly. It's what we all love about the longer version of the game, otherwise 7's and it's entertainment would have taken over a long time ago. Mate, I like Union, so don’t tell me what I have or haven’t watched. The comment is in regards to 7′s being the game to take on League. How can you even compare the two, 7′s you have to put multiple games on in the day to keep the crowds there, you very rarely bring up old Rugby 7′s games in conversation saying what a cracker of a match, you may remember a good try though.

The good tight 7′s game, which is over rather quickly. It’s what we all love about the longer version of the game, otherwise 7′s and it’s entertainment would have taken over a long time ago.

]]> By: Shahsan http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/12/20/rugby%e2%80%99s-olympic-status-already-paying-dividends/comment-page-2/#comment-271244 Shahsan Mon, 21 Dec 2009 11:12:00 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=26418#comment-271244 Never watched a really good, tight 7s game, have you? Never watched a really good, tight 7s game, have you?

]]> By: Dogs Of War http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/12/20/rugby%e2%80%99s-olympic-status-already-paying-dividends/comment-page-2/#comment-271239 Dogs Of War Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:59:10 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=26418#comment-271239 Against League? 7's goes for 15 mins all up, has a few tries, but hardly any tension is able to be built up due to the frequency of scoring. How does that compare to a League game? Against League? 7′s goes for 15 mins all up, has a few tries, but hardly any tension is able to be built up due to the frequency of scoring. How does that compare to a League game?

]]> By: Dogs Of War http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/12/20/rugby%e2%80%99s-olympic-status-already-paying-dividends/comment-page-2/#comment-271236 Dogs Of War Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:57:50 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=26418#comment-271236 Money does not equal passion. Otherwise the ARC would have been a raging success. As for stealing Rugby impetus, League is just carving out it's own niche. Face the facts, the sports complement each other well. League is smart enough to realise that it needs to focus on a few areas, and make those strengths. Money does not equal passion. Otherwise the ARC would have been a raging success.

As for stealing Rugby impetus, League is just carving out it’s own niche. Face the facts, the sports complement each other well. League is smart enough to realise that it needs to focus on a few areas, and make those strengths.

]]> By: Shahsan http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/12/20/rugby%e2%80%99s-olympic-status-already-paying-dividends/comment-page-2/#comment-271234 Shahsan Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:56:51 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=26418#comment-271234 Well, if they have been playing sevens, then they would already be well versed in how to ruck, maul, scrummage, win lineouts etc. And not being able to compete for possession they would find really unnatural. So i think they would find rugby union easier to play. And besides, their mates who signed up but didnt make the 7s team because they were too big or bulky or slow, or just bulit wrongly for 7s will be glad to play 15s with them. Well, if they have been playing sevens, then they would already be well versed in how to ruck, maul, scrummage, win lineouts etc. And not being able to compete for possession they would find really unnatural.
So i think they would find rugby union easier to play.
And besides, their mates who signed up but didnt make the 7s team because they were too big or bulky or slow, or just bulit wrongly for 7s will be glad to play 15s with them.

]]> By: King of the Gorganites http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/12/20/rugby%e2%80%99s-olympic-status-already-paying-dividends/comment-page-2/#comment-271228 King of the Gorganites Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:40:28 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=26418#comment-271228 point taken. however, the advantage rugby has it that the IRB has plenty of money to ensure they then take up the 15 game. there are already eastablished programs and clubs throughout the developing nations. RL simply does not have the money or infrastructure to try to steal rugby's impetus. point taken. however, the advantage rugby has it that the IRB has plenty of money to ensure they then take up the 15 game. there are already eastablished programs and clubs throughout the developing nations. RL simply does not have the money or infrastructure to try to steal rugby’s impetus.

]]> By: AndyS http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/12/20/rugby%e2%80%99s-olympic-status-already-paying-dividends/comment-page-2/#comment-271225 AndyS Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:33:37 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=26418#comment-271225 I wonder though - like most weapons, the owner needs to be careful of his feet. Put two Sevens squads into one team and which code would they find easiest to play? In those countries without a strong background in 15's... I wonder though – like most weapons, the owner needs to be careful of his feet. Put two Sevens squads into one team and which code would they find easiest to play? In those countries without a strong background in 15′s…

]]> By: King of the Gorganites http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/12/20/rugby%e2%80%99s-olympic-status-already-paying-dividends/comment-page-2/#comment-271210 King of the Gorganites Mon, 21 Dec 2009 09:49:46 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=26418#comment-271210 rugby sevens is rugby's greatest weapon in the age old war (defending itself) against RL- and i believe it will be a lethal weapon. rugby sevens is rugby’s greatest weapon in the age old war (defending itself) against RL- and i believe it will be a lethal weapon.

]]> By: rugbyfuture http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/12/20/rugby%e2%80%99s-olympic-status-already-paying-dividends/comment-page-2/#comment-271040 rugbyfuture Mon, 21 Dec 2009 02:49:18 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=26418#comment-271040 although also based on economic theory demand can be built through proper distribution methods, trying to aquire long term profit with short term losses and initial investment, much like Rugby League see with the Melbourne Storm although also based on economic theory demand can be built through proper distribution methods, trying to aquire long term profit with short term losses and initial investment, much like Rugby League see with the Melbourne Storm

]]> By: Norm http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/12/20/rugby%e2%80%99s-olympic-status-already-paying-dividends/comment-page-2/#comment-271035 Norm Mon, 21 Dec 2009 02:43:01 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=26418#comment-271035 Let’s be clear here King of the Clowns it’s Payless35 that’s turning this into a league v union thread, no-one else. As for your deliberate misrepresentation of league’s aspirations with “telling us how RL is going to take over the USA and France. ha” I can only conclude that your level of honesty has sunk below that exhibited by Quade Cooper. Finally when it comes to “why not live coverageo (sic) entire weekend?” let me educate you in some fundamental economic theory; no demand. Let’s be clear here King of the Clowns it’s Payless35 that’s turning this into a league v union thread, no-one else. As for your deliberate misrepresentation of league’s aspirations with “telling us how RL is going to take over the USA and France. ha” I can only conclude that your level of honesty has sunk below that exhibited by Quade Cooper. Finally when it comes to “why not live coverageo (sic) entire weekend?” let me educate you in some fundamental economic theory; no demand.

]]> By: King of the Gorganites http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/12/20/rugby%e2%80%99s-olympic-status-already-paying-dividends/comment-page-2/#comment-270977 King of the Gorganites Mon, 21 Dec 2009 01:29:32 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=26418#comment-270977 but part of the fun of sevens is it carnival atmosphere. hard for the crowd to get into the mood if its freezing but part of the fun of sevens is it carnival atmosphere. hard for the crowd to get into the mood if its freezing

]]> By: rugbyfuture http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/12/20/rugby%e2%80%99s-olympic-status-already-paying-dividends/comment-page-2/#comment-270972 rugbyfuture Mon, 21 Dec 2009 01:26:52 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=26418#comment-270972 the russians are building heated pitches i heard the russians are building heated pitches i heard

]]> By: King of the Gorganites http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/12/20/rugby%e2%80%99s-olympic-status-already-paying-dividends/comment-page-2/#comment-270966 King of the Gorganites Mon, 21 Dec 2009 01:20:06 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=26418#comment-270966 good article WCR. really shows the ever increasing globalisation of rugby. i personally would like to see it in Russia- but i am a little ocncerned about the weather. Maybe someone could give some feeback about the best time of year it could be played and where? theres no need to take cheap shots at league. we dont need leaguies here turning this into a league v union thread and telling us how RL is going to take over the USA and France. ha. 7's is a great spectacle and will really help grown the game of rugby. i would like to see more coverage on fox though. why not live coverageo entire weekend? good article WCR. really shows the ever increasing globalisation of rugby. i personally would like to see it in Russia- but i am a little ocncerned about the weather. Maybe someone could give some feeback about the best time of year it could be played and where?

theres no need to take cheap shots at league. we dont need leaguies here turning this into a league v union thread and telling us how RL is going to take over the USA and France. ha.

7′s is a great spectacle and will really help grown the game of rugby. i would like to see more coverage on fox though. why not live coverageo entire weekend?

]]> By: jus de couchon http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/12/20/rugby%e2%80%99s-olympic-status-already-paying-dividends/comment-page-2/#comment-270700 jus de couchon Sun, 20 Dec 2009 13:53:30 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=26418#comment-270700 I would like to see an Oz League team entered in the Rugby 7s seperate as well as the ARU team . They would do very well I suspect , if they would condecend to going over to the dark side. I would like to see an Oz League team entered in the Rugby 7s seperate as well as the ARU team . They would do very well I suspect , if they would condecend to going over to the dark side.

]]> By: ohtani's jacket http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/12/20/rugby%e2%80%99s-olympic-status-already-paying-dividends/comment-page-1/#comment-270695 ohtani's jacket Sun, 20 Dec 2009 13:37:07 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=26418#comment-270695 I just think they're a bunch of hyperbole. Anyway, the East Asian games are different from the Asian Games. The Asian Games are being held next year from memory. I just think they’re a bunch of hyperbole.

Anyway, the East Asian games are different from the Asian Games. The Asian Games are being held next year from memory.

]]> By: Shahsan http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/12/20/rugby%e2%80%99s-olympic-status-already-paying-dividends/comment-page-1/#comment-270691 Shahsan Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:57:54 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=26418#comment-270691 Why do you hate these threads? And is this East Asian games 7s different from the Asian Games rugby 7s? Or do they not hold those anymore? Why do you hate these threads?
And is this East Asian games 7s different from the Asian Games rugby 7s? Or do they not hold those anymore?

]]> By: Shahsan http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/12/20/rugby%e2%80%99s-olympic-status-already-paying-dividends/comment-page-1/#comment-270690 Shahsan Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:54:22 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=26418#comment-270690 I agree union writers should not attack league to make a point apropos of nothing; but if they are responding to something said by a leaguie on union then I reckon that is justifiable. As for New Zealand winning men's and women's gold at the Olympics, I wouldn't be so sure about that. You are betraying your lack of knowledge of rugby 7s with that statement. NZ won neither event at the RWC 7s this year, and I think to date they have won only one of the five RWC 7s contested so far (not counting the one-off event in the early 70s, won by England). The other winners have been Fiji (twice), England and Wales. Australia won the inaugural women's event this year. As for your comment that "It seems Union is incapable of growing on its own merits; this can only be achieved by diminishing other codes, particularly League" I think that is nonsense. Internationally, rugby union grows or not due purely to its own efforts. It has no direct competition internationally as a sport. Football (soccer) is in a different, much bigger, league. Rugby league and Aussie rules are a factor only in Australia. I agree union writers should not attack league to make a point apropos of nothing; but if they are responding to something said by a leaguie on union then I reckon that is justifiable.
As for New Zealand winning men’s and women’s gold at the Olympics, I wouldn’t be so sure about that. You are betraying your lack of knowledge of rugby 7s with that statement.
NZ won neither event at the RWC 7s this year, and I think to date they have won only one of the five RWC 7s contested so far (not counting the one-off event in the early 70s, won by England). The other winners have been Fiji (twice), England and Wales. Australia won the inaugural women’s event this year.
As for your comment that “It seems Union is incapable of growing on its own merits; this can only be achieved by diminishing other codes, particularly League” I think that is nonsense. Internationally, rugby union grows or not due purely to its own efforts. It has no direct competition internationally as a sport. Football (soccer) is in a different, much bigger, league.
Rugby league and Aussie rules are a factor only in Australia.

]]> By: ohtani's jacket http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/12/20/rugby%e2%80%99s-olympic-status-already-paying-dividends/comment-page-1/#comment-270689 ohtani's jacket Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:52:34 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=26418#comment-270689 As much as I hate these threads, I'm surprised no-one has mentioned the East Asian Games that were held in Hong Kong this month. Rugby Sevens was included for the first time with Japan defeating Hong Kong 26-24 in the Men's Gold Medal match and China defeating Japan 34-12 in the Women's Gold Medal match. Korea took bronze in the Men's competition and Hong Kong were third in the Women's. As much as I hate these threads, I’m surprised no-one has mentioned the East Asian Games that were held in Hong Kong this month. Rugby Sevens was included for the first time with Japan defeating Hong Kong 26-24 in the Men’s Gold Medal match and China defeating Japan 34-12 in the Women’s Gold Medal match. Korea took bronze in the Men’s competition and Hong Kong were third in the Women’s.

]]> By: Norm http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/12/20/rugby%e2%80%99s-olympic-status-already-paying-dividends/comment-page-1/#comment-270679 Norm Sun, 20 Dec 2009 11:52:44 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=26418#comment-270679 -"China, Russia, the world, hasn’t Super League already taken them by storm …. oh …". Here we go again another wannabe aristocrat pouring contempt on Rugby League. Belittling League somehow makes Union better. It seems Union is incapable of growing on its own merits; this can only be achieved by diminishing other codes, particularly League. Brazil, Russia & Germany world powers in Rugby 7s? More like cannon fodder for New Zealand as they claim gold in the men & women competitions and more fantasy to perpetuate the myth of global rugby 7s competition. -”China, Russia, the world, hasn’t Super League already taken them by storm …. oh …”. Here we go again another wannabe aristocrat pouring contempt on Rugby League. Belittling League somehow makes Union better. It seems Union is incapable of growing on its own merits; this can only be achieved by diminishing other codes, particularly League. Brazil, Russia & Germany world powers in Rugby 7s? More like cannon fodder for New Zealand as they claim gold in the men & women competitions and more fantasy to perpetuate the myth of global rugby 7s competition.

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