Rugby puts in the big Olympic push

from stuff.co.nz:

Rugby’s bid to gain readmission to the Olympic movement has gained impetus with the submission of a key document outlining the sport’s credentials for inclusion in the 2016 Games.

The International Rugby Board has forwarded its response to the International Olympic Committee’s 2016 Programme Review Questionnaire outlining the organisation’s vision and proposal for rugby’s re-inclusion in the Olympics, by way of its sevens game.

It’s a key document as the seven contending sports jockey for an all-too-rare spot on the Olympic programme and rugby is hopeful that it can make a compelling enough case to return to the Games for the first time since 1924.

Divided into nine chapters, the IRB’s submission provides answers to 80 key questions relating to rugby’s proposal to the IOC. The IRB hopes by highlighting the game’s growth as well as its natural synergies with the Olympic movement it can gain the nod.

“This submission sets out our technical bid but it also paints our vision and aims to illustrate to the Olympic Family why we firmly believe that rugby sevens’ unique attributes would make Olympic re-inclusion good for rugby and good for the Olympic Games,” said IRB President Bernard Lapasset.

“Sevens is already successfully integrated in major international multi-sport events such as the Commonwealth Games, the Asian Games, the Pan American Games and the World Games and it has a proven track record of filling stadia – the Commonwealth Games 2006 sevens tournament was attended by 150,000 over three days, second only to track and field.”

IRB Secretary General Mike Miller said the flexibility of a sevens tournament was ideal for the Olympic platform.

“They can be played over just two or three days, require limited infrastructure and overlay investment and can take place in existing stadia. Furthermore, men’s and women’s competitions can be held with 12, 16 or 20 teams and in recognition of all these options, we are committed to working with the IOC to identify the most appropriate solution for the Games.”

Miller said the sevens format delivered many benefits.

“For one, it is played by the quickest and most agile players where speed and handling skills are critical, ensuring a fast and free-flowing spectacle for fans and television viewers. With matches played over two seven-minute halves, the short sharp action also makes it ideal for broadcasters. Importantly, this format also offers genuine Olympic medal opportunities for smaller nations who are proving highly competitive on the IRB Sevens World Series circuit.

“Rugby is reaching out. We want to foster the development of our spirit, our values and our sport to new countries and see more men, women and children participating in the game,” added Miller.

The IRB is asking the global rugby community to support its campaign for re-inclusion in the Olympic Games by participating in the IOC’s Virtual Olympic Congress before February 28. The forum provides an opportunity for the general public to provide feedback on plans for the future of the Olympic Games.

Rugby was originally introduced to the Olympics by Pierre de Coubertin in 1900 and continued to be played at the 1908, 1920 and 1924 Games.

The key IOC vote on the new sports will take place in Copenhagen in October.

And if you haven’t seen the video the IRB made about getting rugby the Olympics, make sure to check it out:

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