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It has been a little over a year since the IOC officially ratified rugby Sevens’ inclusion in the 2016 Rio Games. The decision held huge significance for the game of rugby and will see its return to the fold after so many years in the wilderness.
Since October last year, the IRB’s World Series has once again seen impressive growth in viewership culminating in HSBC becoming the series first title sponsor in its 10 plus seasons.
Furthermore, for nations such as our own, Sevens has begun to transform from a circus side act to an increasingly important development pathway for up and coming talent.
Much of this is largely thanks to the IOC and the perceived importance on building strong squads and world-class events leading up to 2016.
Though, while we have seen a greater focus on Sevens in Australia, which directly coincides with the resurgence of our national Sevens program, is enough really being done to promote and grow not only this format but rugby as a sport on the home-front?
Much has been made of the potential of Sevens to assist the game’s growth both internationally and also on a domestic level, but what plans do the ARU have in the works to capitalise on this once in a lifetime opportunity?
As we all know Sevens is a fast, open running variant of the game, easily accessible to not only the wiry old fan but novices alike. It provides a fantastic platform in which to educate and capture the hearts and minds of potential fans and players. As has been stated many times previously, rugby fans tend to be rugby players, either current or former.
It’s a game that for many, once played, captures their imagination for a lifetime. How does the ARU plan to build on such strength?
Currently the game suffers from many ingrained and unwarranted stereotypes: stodgy, dull, elitist, etc.
Those who love the game know these for the most part to be un-truths and in recent times completely false and outdated. Nonetheless, they still hound rugby and in many cases stunt its potential to grow into the game it could be, not what in Australia the game currently is.
One of the greatest hurdles in rugby’s quest, apart from apparent absent administration bordering on amateurish folly, is an incredibly competitive football market with two strong professional rivals. Competition for fans and talent is fierce and without the clout, accessibility and exposure of other codes, rugby could be condemned to anchor the field in fourth.
Enter Sevens and summer.
The establishment of Sevens as a solely summer based sport could provide rugby with a key development and public relations tool well into the future. Running organised competitions opened to not only rugby clubs but all comers, young and old, could prove to be a golden growth opportunity.
Such an endeavour could draw greater levels of interest and talent giving the game the necessary jolt to move forward. Such movement would need to be mandated directly from the unions and clubs alike to ensure that it is run as smoothly and professionally as possible.
Not only will you draw current players but potentially a swathe of league, AFL and even soccer talent looking for a means of keeping fit during their respective off-seasons.
Furthermore, such a format, with its open nature, would appeal to and should be directly targeted toward children. It is an opportunity if missed that will set Australian rugby well behind its traditional and future rivals in terms of talent and development.
The subject of a domestic circuit has been raised previously and if it ever gained traction with the right marketing would prove fruitful for our game.
However, such a circuit should be left to develop organically with the majority of any AOC funding received to be directly poured into establishing, growing and promoting Sevens as a summer sport at both club and school level, including developing means to translate any increased patronage to the 15-man game.
Sevens, if utilised correctly, could be the vessel to grow our game outside of its traditional boundaries and into a game played and appreciated in greater numbers nationally.
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.