Rugby disappointed by Olympic snub for Sevens

DUBLIN - Rugby's ruling body believes the International Olympic Committee has missed a chance to modernise the Summer Olympics by denying the sport entry to the Games.

Rugby sevens was on a shortlist of five sports for possible inclusion in the Olympics after baseball and softball were removed on Friday from the programme for the 2012 London Games.

"There has been much talk in the sporting world about the need for the Olympic Games to move with the times and be relevant to today's youth, athletes and society," said International Rugby Board president, Syd Millar.

"The IRB put forward a strong case that Rugby Sevens reflects the future."

London's showpiece will now feature 26 sports rather than 28 after IOC members rejected proposals to replace the axed sports with squash and karate, the two picked from the original five.

"The result of this decision not to add new sports is also very disappointing for the smaller nations of the world and African nations who often have little opportunity to compete at the highest levels in the Olympic Games," said Millar.

"Rugby sevens, with Fiji as the reigning world champion, provides these nations with the opportunity to be very competitive," he added.

- REUTERS