Rugby needs a national sevens competition

There has been a great deal of animated debate on The Roar regarding the need for a National Rugby competition. Most agree it’s a good idea for the development of the game, but believe that current politics, logistics and finance will stop the concept in the foreseeable future.

Perhaps there is a solution. Perhaps it’s staring us right in the face. Perhaps we can achieve this with a National Club 7s tournament.

Twenty20 cricket revitalised cricket in the UK. Could 7s do the same for rugby in Australia? Could Australia set itself up as the “IPL” of 7s?

For those who are unfamiliar with 7s rugby, it’s a shortened version of the 15 man game, where teams of 7 players play 7 minute halves with a 1 minute break on a full sized rugby field.

A game is completed in 15 minutes.

The game is fast, intense, exciting, and most importantly, countries and states that are not strong at the 15 man side game can be champions in 7s. Fiji, Kenya and Portugal are shining examples.

Traditionally 7s is played as a tournament over a weekend.

I am proposing that the ARU, along with the States and clubs, introduce a 7s season competition which is finished off with weekend tournaments at a State, national and then an international (Asia Pacific) level.

All capital cities in Australia have a Premier Club Rugby (15 players a side) competition.

Rather than reinvent the wheel, I propose that we harness the existing club structure and tribalism and spin off a club 7s tournament for 1st grade, 2nd grade and Colts.

I am focusing on the Sydney Shute Shield club circuit because I understand it a bit better than the competitions in Brisbane, Tasmania or Adelaide for example.

On a Saturday, all the clubs’ 7s teams go to one ground (e.g. Eastwood). Each team plays one 15 minute game only. The following week they all attend another ground (e.g. Warringah) and play another team, and so on, until they have all played each other throughout the season.

One 15 minute game per week isn’t too strenuous and does not take away valuable players from the 15 man game. If the Shute Shield games are moved to a Sunday, 7s can be on Saturday and then the players can then back up on the Sunday for the 15 man game.

The team at the top of the table wins the Sydney 7s premiership.

There is no grand final for the season competition. Instead, all the teams then enter a State 7s tournament that can include teams from regional areas. This is a weekend (pool and finals structure) tournament.

Teams that reach the finals then enter a National 7s tournament that puts the NSW teams up against the Queensland, Tasmanian, Western Australian (and so on) teams.

The winner is crowned Australian Champion.

The winner then represents Australia in an Asia Pacific region tournament.

Therefore, a club side can complete a grand slam by winning their respective metropolitan premiership, the state title, the national title and the Asia Pacific title.

The costs of this competition would be relatively low because it would be using existing club facilities and structures and does not require people to relocate to another city. With all supporters from the Metro Sydney clubs descending on one ground, the number of spectators would be much larger than those found at an individual Shute Shield game.

In addition, this format would appeal to broadcasters.

The game is fast and short, and because each game is only 15 minutes, the broadcasters can determine how long the advertising period is in between games. It would provide much needed funds to club rugby.

Subscription TV or even Free to air TV would bid for the rights.

Is it conceivable that RL or even AFL players not involved in the top competition may want to try a simpler form of rugby?

I’m sure an enterprising player manager could find a way for them to play both.

These players may not have the physical attributes to play top level AFL or rugby league, but their skill set may be perfect for 7s. The space on the field in 7s is like manna to quick footed rugby league players and the ball contest and the continual sprinting is tailored made for AFL players.

They may be die hard AFL and rugby league players and will always play these games, but perhaps the chance to play at a State or National level may appeal. Perhaps the opportunity to be picked to play for Australia on the IRB 7s circuit may be the drawcard to take up a second code.

My preference has always been for a national 15 a side Rugby competition.

Perhaps a steady income stream and national/international recognition for club rugby through the 7s concept will mean the clubs will be more amenable to a national 15 man a side, that doesn’t directly include these clubs, in the future.

In the meantime, let’s focus on the getting the 7s up and running.

This is not a project that would be difficult to get off the ground, but would require the ARU, the States, RUPA and the Metropolitan Club sides to put aside their differences and start pulling in the same direction.

They all have something to gain financially and ultimately it will widen rugby’s reach and appeal by bringing in a much needed new revenue stream and exposure for the game.