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As the IRB rugby sevens circuit hits Hong Kong and Adelaide over the next two weeks, now is a good time to evaluate the progress by the IRB in maximizing the benefits of Olympic inclusion.
Rugby sevens entry in the 2016 and 2020 Olympics has been roundly celebrated in the rugby community as the best opportunity to increase rugby’s global appeal. I fear this great opportunity could be wasted if the IRB doesn’t change its current proposal to the IOC that a 12 team format is used at the Olympics
The Olympic qualification process has not been decided, but we can assume it will be based on the current IRB sevens circuit or a regional based system (for example to guarantee one team from Asia or North America).
The problem is even excluding Brazil (which will likely participate as host), I rapidly come up with 12 teams that should be there based on playing strength or as the best in their region (Japan and USA).
The list includes countries that have so far not taken the IRB sevens circuit seriously (France) or completely ignored it (Ireland), but come 2015 will surely get a sudden interest in sevens, who wouldn’t want to compete at the Olympics? My list of most likely starters for Rio 2016 is:
1. New Zealand
2. Australian
3. South Africa
4. Samoa
5. Fiji
6. Kenya
7. Great Britain
8. France
9. Ireland
10. USA
11. Japan
12. Argentina
This means countries which could field competitive teams and represent important growth opportunities for rugby like Italy, Canada and Portugal will likely miss out on playing at the Olympics.
Big new markets with weak rugby tradition like Russia and China have even less chance.
Will their Olympic focused state backed sporting programs make rugby a new target for funding if qualification is highly uncertain? Other countries that could produce exciting and competitive teams like Tonga and PNG from our region will be out in the cold.
I believe the IRB is badly mistaken in its proposal for only 12 teams.
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.