A week after France pulled out of hosting the Rugby League World Cup because of financial fears, rugby got another shot in the arm when Australia’s men’s sevens team joined qualified for next year’s Olympics in Paris.
“Rugby, rests its case,” quipped Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan, pointing to France’s decision to abandon hosting the league World Cup in 2025.
Beyond the fun and games stirred up by RA’s front-foot approach under McLennan, Australia’s automatic qualification for next year’s Olympics was a boost for the game.
If RA is going to preach that its biggest strength is its global nature, Australia needs not just to show up on the biggest stage but turn up too.
Days after France decided to give up their hosting rights for the 2025 Rugby League World Cup, Hamish McLennan has landed another cheeky dig as Australia’s men’s team qualified for the Paris Olympics. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
By joining the women’s side in earning automatic qualification, it’s now full steam ahead for Australia’s brains trust.
While new RA president Joe Roff earlier this month backed the governing body’s active pursuit for NRL players to put their hands up to make the switch, including Joseph Suaalii to come across early, Michael Hooper will likely be their No.1 target.
The Australian Team celebrate qualifying for the Olympics during Day Two of The HSBC London Sevens at Twickenham Stadium on May 21, 2023 in London. (Photo by Luke Walker/Getty Images)
The Wallabies’ most-capped captain remains interested in playing at next year’s Olympics, with the Waratahs recognising the long-time No.7 is set to depart.
He would give the Australian sevens team some leadership, composure, another on-ball threat and one of the best one-on-one tackles in the game, not to mention his engine.
Michael Hooper is interested in playing at next year’s Paris Olympics. (Photo by Getty Images)
Force back-rower Tim Anstee could also come back into the reckoning, with John Manenti’s side interested on another lineout jumper, who provides punch around the field.
Brumbies flyer Corey Toole remains a no-brainer, with the winger putting together a stunning highlights reel after transitioning back to the 15-person game.
But Waratahs flyer Max Jorgensen could be another option, particularly with Tom Wright and Andrew Kellaway at the peak of their powers.
While the Waratahs would likely want to keep him for the majority of the season, Jorgensen, should he miss World Cup selection, could get some exposure either side of the Super Rugby season, play at the Olympics and then link back with the Wallabies for their end of season spring tour.
With Darby Lancaster proving to be Manenti’s breakthrough player of the season, Nick Malouf returning to form and fitness, Maurice Longbottom a continued threat and Henry Patterson making World Rugby’s dream team, the additions of a few Super Rugby players would instantly help them become medal contenders.
They’ll need them too because French captain – and one of the world’s best players – Antoine Dupont is also considering putting his hand up for selection.
Meanwhile, Tim Walsh’s women’s side are certainly medal contenders, but they’ll have to address their composure and game-plan if they are to repeat their feat of 2016 by winning gold in Paris.
Walsh’s side have the talent, but too often they found it difficult to get out of their own half when under pressure from a bigger, more physical side.
Their bronze medal in Toulouse showed that, as their usually swift ball movement came unstuck when their opponents France in the pool stage and, later in the semi-final, the USA got in their faces.
Nonetheless, Maddison Levi showed she’s the most lethal finisher in the game out wide while her younger sister, Teagen, showed her playmaking ability on the fringes to compliment Charlotte Caslick.
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
The question will also be at his age will he want to go into that hurtlocker of 7s, intense running/fitness.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Is it cheap energy Jacko? well many are struggling in these times!! Lol :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Yep, Agree Hugh, as IMO, Hoops should have tried his hand at Seven's earlier in his career, as many know, that would have been the go, due to the way the Seven's skill sets have helped previously known great players to develop their known class. EG Jonah Lomu, Christian Cullen, Goldie etc.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Is the NRL teams having these players all available for their club games or do they play with weakened teams?
Tooly
Roar Rookie
I have three things to say to the Heammor . . State of Origin . Suaalii . Magellan
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
It's 3 games of Rugby league that draw more crowds in 3 days than Super Rugby does in the season
Tez
Roar Rookie
Maybe introduce Sualli back to rugby via the Olympics ..... but he would need to work on his aerobic fitness
Tez
Roar Rookie
Yeah I reckon Michael Hooper and Corey Toole would be good additions to the 7s squad for the Olympics ..... both have what it takes ..... go for it lads
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Whats the state of origin? Is that an energy company?
Jacko
Roar Rookie
If it was the other way around and NZR didn’t want it then it would be all over the media… And there would be a thousand people on here rubbishing NZR thats for certain.
Fracktobunt
Roar Rookie
If a journalist asked him what he thought about the Rugby League WC being cancelled I think his response was restrained and on point, don’t see why anyone would be offended by it.
mrl
Roar Rookie
Everyone knows Rugby League is stupid and will never be in the Olympic Games…there’s no need to draw attention to that.
SDRedsFan
Roar Rookie
He'd get better mileage trying to entice more southerners from AFL.
Hambone
Roar Rookie
well said. all the day in day outers getting pushed at olympics pinnacle, not the best look. dont mind a couple of hired guns coming in but to load up the team with a heap of wallabies is not the answer. the boys earnt automatic qualification, let them run with the ball. that being said the mens 7s have struggled with podiums since toole jetted back to the ACT.. he would have to be wined and dined and brought back in for the pace alone.
Fin
Roar Rookie
I'm backing Hooper to make it.
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
I doubt NRL pundits will be able to hear McLemon over the roar of the State of Origin Crowds.
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
Imagine working hard as a 7s player to make the Olympics, only to get pushed out of the team to make way for some fly ins who want a shot at Olympic glory.
Julius
Roar Rookie
As a big rugby union fan with no major interest in League, I would really like McLennan to stop making a fool of itself. League is a good sport that provides opportunities to people. He's already made the point that League is big only in Australia while Union is big worldwide. Point taken. Stop trying to draw attention to yourself and showing Union in a bad light as arrogant and full if itself. It's boring.
nroko
Roar Rookie
Why is he not talking about the Super Rugby independent commision? There's reports from NZ that he doesn't want it. It must be true because he hasn't refuted. If it was the other way around and NZR didn't want it then it would be all over the media...
Bingo
Roar Rookie
Doesn’t have enough pace for XVs let alone 7s