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A great deal has been made of Rugby Sevens’ inclusion in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. How it will spread the game to further reaches and how it will create a vast influx of athlete’s chasing Olympic glory.
Evidence suggests that both of these statements are somewhat true.
The game continues to witness consistently strong participation growth but it’s the hunt for gold that has seen the real boost in the games momentum.
With ‘new’ nations now moving to implement systems and develop players to drive this ambition. The likes of Spain and Portugal have succeeded in this ambition gaining entry to the IRB Sevens World Series.
We are not immune.
With the ARU eligible for additional funding via the AOC’s funding model from this cycle, it is likely to see a great deal of that funding, like much of the finances received through TV deals, filter to the elite levels in chasing the elusive Olympic gold.
However, how important is the use of these funds in chasing gold to the general rugby landscape to the grassroots of the game, and could the influx be used to further nurture the grassroots level and further expand our competition base. Not really to the former and absolutely to the latter.
I’m not going to offer any action plans to do so, as it has been suggested time and time again. The general consensus is schools (particularly at the primary level) are the key target ‘market’ and some have even suggested incentive methods to really push this in the form of prizes for participation.
While I have my ideas and points of differences on these matters, the one thing that remains true is, for an Australian team to succeed at any level, in any format it is needed.
So, do I believe that the target of gold is worthwhile in the initial cycle leading into Rio? Well, no.
We should be looking at 2020 and beyond.
By investing in spreading the gospel over the next 4-8 years Rugby in Australia could build a strong and readymade base that would require little cultivation and provide a legacy for the game well beyond our current situation.
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.