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It’s still only very early days in Rugby’s revitalised Olympic journey, but already the IOC’s emphatic acceptance of the sport is beginning to be felt. Recently, the IRB requested potential applicants to formally state their Expressions of Interest (EOI) to host the 2013 RWC Sevens event, the last ever staging of the event prior to the Rio Games in 2016.
While it has been known for some time that Russia has been keen to host the event, two other unlikely bidders have entered the race. Who might they be? Well, I won’t keep you waiting. Both Germany and Brazil have submitted EOI’s to host Sevens final World Cup event. Russia is considered an emerging power in the Rugby world and it held no surprises in their eagerness to host one of Rugby’s major events, but both Germany and Brazil could be considered as rather left field in their interest.
I thought it might be interesting to evaluate each of these nations’ cases to host the event, starting with who I see as the obvious favourite – Russia.
Russia: As I have previously stated, the obvious favourite with Rugby expanding its presence. The IRB has a vested interest in Russia, allocating a great deal of time and money with the purpose of rapidly assisting the growth of the Russian Bear status in the game of Rugby.
They have an ever improving Professional League, drawing players from throughout Central and Eastern Europe. Media awareness of the game is increasing annually, and ratings for the Six Nations improve year by year.
The real strength of this bid, however, relates to the guaranteed government support the event will receive. The Russian government has already committed to installing Rugby as a school sport throughout the country. Such an event would drastically increase participation and public interest in Rugby in Russia.
Germany: Once upon a time Rugby had a real presence in Germany. But, due to WW2 and Nazism, lost its foothold. However, Rugby is experiencing a resurgence and is now one of the fastest growing sports in Germany. Alongside this re-emergence, there are a few exciting developments occurring in Germany to further improve the standard of Rugby played within its borders and its flagship competition, the 10 team Rugby Bundesliga, most notably the WILD Rugby Academy in Heidelberg.
In 2008 the Hannover European 7s drew a record crowd of over 35,000 to the two day event and obviously the DRV view this opportunity as a real watershed event to provide the Rugby with the necessary exposure and potential investment to kick start further growth and interest towards the game in a nation that has the real potential to become a significant presence in world Rugby.
Brazil: The surprise packet of the three. Though in terms of preparation for 2016 could realistically snatch the event from underneath both its competitors. Brazil is seen as a key development nation in the IRB’s plans, not only within South America but eventually internationally.
Rugby will be a foreign concept to most Brazilians. Awarding them the event and ensuring it runs smoothly could really provide the impetus for a highly successful Rio Games which would all but secure the games Olympic future beyond 2020.
Whoever the IRB elects the decision will not come lightly as in both playing and financial potential all three nations could provide significant windfalls for Rugby, and further assist its growth in key regions of the world. Who will they choose? The emerging power? The potential power? Or the host of the games re-emergence on the Olympic stage? We’ll know soon enough.
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.