A Bledisloe Cup-style sevens showdown between Australia and New Zealand could become a fixture on the annual rugby calendar.
With rugby sevens – already established on the Commonwealth Games program – set to make its Olympic debut at Rio de Janiero 2016, officials are eager to boost the fledgling sport’s profile.
The ARU will trial a sevens encounter featuring Australia and New Zealand as a curtain-raiser to Sunday’s bumper Super Rugby match between the NSW Waratahs and Crusaders at Allianz Stadium.
While refusing to speculate on whether the fixture would become a permanent addition, the ARU admitted there was no reason why an annual sevens fixture couldn’t be part of a Bledisloe weekend in future years.
“Certainly an annual sevens match between Australia and New Zealand on home soil is an event we’d consider,” an ARU spokesman told AAP.
“Having it alongside a significant 15-a-side game would be a possibility.
“We’re always considering initiatives involving rugby sevens, particularly given that post-London Games it will be official Olympic sport.
“We’re looking to roll out a number of initiatives over the next 12 to 24 months.”
Meanwhile, ARU chairman Peter McGrath will not be seeking re-election as a director at the governing body’s annual general meeting in Sydney on Friday.
McGrath has served five years as chairman and seven years as a director.
He had already revealed he was standing down as chairman at this AGM, but has now confirmed he will not be standing for re-election as a director.
His departure means there will be two new directors appointed to the ARU board.
One will be a RUPA-appointed nominee, already announced as former Wallabies captain George Gregan.
The other will be be another state’s nomination, the position previously filled by McGrath.
There will also be a new chairman elected at a board meeting to follow the AGM.
Emric
Guest
KoG http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/rugby-gold/plans-afoot-for-super-rugby-anzac-day-game/story-fn8ouw0e-1226339237334 This article doesn't mention the saders but there are a few others who have pointed to the saders as being the team to play it would probably sell out suncorp
King of the Gorgonites
Roar Guru
Haven't heard of this. Any links? Interesting if true. Works for afl and rl
King of the Gorgonites
Roar Guru
I don't forget the Aussies winnig in Tokyo. Anyone who watched it would agree with me. These games can be memorable.
Emric
Guest
Bret Slightly off topic what do you think of the ANZAC reds v saders game proposed for Brisbane next year Personally I think the game needs to be held in New Zealand if they are going to do it - Hurricanes V Blues or Hurricanes V NSW at the stadium hype it up and it could be a seller -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
p.Tah
Guest
True for most of the pool games but some of the World Series finals have been incredible. The Los Vegas final between Samoa and NZ was awesome. Fiji's recent victory in HK is another... And then of course there was our victory in Tokyo!
p.Tah
Guest
I like it. The challenge we have had with 7s in this country is it is barely reported on in the media. This will help bring it to the spot light. It is important that the administrators work 7s and 15s together. Firstly, 7s is the entry point to better understanding 15s (for a novice). Secondly they can potentially limit the cannibalization that 7s may have on 15s.
MikeG
Roar Rookie
Yep Brett, agree that seems the logical next step. With 7's in the Olympics there'll be a push to get more exposure and a curtain raising series of 7's between the SANZAAR nations makes a lot of sense...of course, it'll be a scheduling nightmare, but hey, that's not our problem, we just come up with the great ideas!!!
Brett McKay
Expert
which makes it a perfect curtain-raising candidate for the Bledisloe. Heck, why not run a Rugby Championship Sevens across the SANZAAR board??
Rugby Diehard
Guest
7s is much like 20/20 cricket. You watch it and enjoy it but the next day the result is forgotten. It is good fun at the time but largely meaningless entertainment.
allblackfan
Guest
no!no!no!no!
MikeG
Roar Rookie
I like this idea, but only if it's Oz vs NZ prior to a Bledisloe clash ...that makes sense
Geoff Brisbane now California
Guest
Not much distance between Aus 7's and NZ 7's is there? I understood it was a one off fill in game for both sides and that was all